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TRANSCRIPT
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A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE "DIES IRAE"
IN MOZART'S REQUIEM AND CHERUBIM'S
REQUIEM IN D MINOR
THESIS
Presented to the Graduate Council of the
University of North Texas in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements
For the Degree of
MASTER OF MUSIC
By
Jeremy Leong, B.M.
Denton, Texas
August, 1997
og6
Leong, Jeremy, A Comparative Analysis of the "Dies irae" in Mozart's Requiem
and Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor. Master of Music (Musicology), August 1997,
158 pp., 33 musical examples, 26 figures, bibliography, 41 titles.
The thesis speculates on the possible influence of Mozart's Requiem on Cherubini's
Requiem in D Minor, concluding that Cherubini's setting of the Sequence ("Dies irae")
was indeed influenced by Mozart's setting of this liturgical text both on the micro and
macro levels. Motivically, Cherubini derives his materials exclusively from the vocal parts
of the first movement of Mozart's Sequence. Structurally, the overall tonal scheme of the
movement follows similar tonal trajectory beginning and ending in the same keys.
The thesis also speculates on the edition Cherubini possibly knew and used in
introducing Mozart's Requiem to French audiences in 1804. As part of that discussion,
issues concerning the completion and authenticity of Mozart's Requiem are thoroughly
examined.
3 7 < t
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HO. 7HO")
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE "DIES IRAE"
IN MOZART'S REQUIEM AND CHERUBIM'S
REQUIEM IN D MINOR
THESIS
Presented to the Graduate Council of the
University of North Texas in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements
For the Degree of
MASTER OF MUSIC
By
Jeremy Leong, B.M.
Denton, Texas
August, 1997
Copyright by
Jeremy Leong
1997
111
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I wish to thank Breitkopf & Hartel, Wiesbaden - Leipzig for their permission to
use the first full score edition of Mozart's Requiem published in 1800 as a source for my
thesis. In addition, I also wish to thank the University of California Press for granting
permission to reproduce charts and tables information from Christoph Wolffs book,
Mozart s Requiem. Historical and Analytical Studies. Documents, and Score, translated by
Mary Whittal.
IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF MUSICAL EXAMPLES Vll
LIST OF FIGURES ... x
PART I.
Chapter
I. LUIGICHERUBINI. A SURVEY OF HIS CONTRIBUTIONS i
Cherubini as a Music Educator Cherubini's French Operas Cherubini's Church Music
II MOZART'S REQUIEM A HISTORIC REVIEW OF THE SOURCE MATERIALS 2 2
A Review of the History of the Source Materials Cherubini and the First Edition of Mozart's Requiem
III. CONCERNING D MINOR AS THE CHOICE OF KEY FOR BOTH REQUIEMS
44
The Origin of the "Dies irae" Sequence The Choice of D Minor in Mozart's Requiem The Choice of D Minor in Cherubini's Second Requiem
PART II:
IV. A COMPARISON OF THE LAYOUT OF MOZART'S REOTJTF.M AND CHERUBINI'S REQUIEM IN D MTNOR
A Comparative Analysis of Similar Movements in both Requiems
68
V. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE "DIES IRAE" IN MOZART'S REQUIEM AND CHERUBIM'S REQUIEM IN D MINOR FOCUSING ON THE TONAL AND MOTIVIC SIMILARITIES !! 0
A Summary of the Formal Differences between the Two Sequences A Summary of the Orchestration Differences between the Two Sequences Similarities in the Tonal Schemes between the Two Sequences Motivic Similarities between the Two Sequences
CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY 1 J J
VI
LIST OF MUSICAL EXAMPLES
Examples p ag g
1. Mozart, Requiem. "Dies irae," measures 1-4 17
2. Cherubini, Requiem in C Minor1 "Dies irae," measures 10-14 18
3. The "Dies irae" Sequence 53
4. The "Dies irae" Sequence, verse 19, the last "Amen" 56
5. The harmonic series of the natural trumpet in D 59
6. Mozart, Requiem. Introit, measures 13-15 61
7. Cherubini, Requiem in D Minor, Agnus Dei, measures 1-9 66
8. Mozart, Requiem. Introit, measures 8-10 84
9. Cherubini, Requiem in D Minor Introit, measures 12-19 85
10. Melodic middle grounds of the opening measures of Mozart's and Cherubini's Introit 86
11. Mozart, Requiem, Offertoiy, Domine .Te.su first fugal subject, measures 21-23 ' QO
OO
12. Melodic middle grounds of Mozart's "Hostias" (Offertoiy) and Cherubini's "Hostias" (Offertoiy) 9 3
13. Mozart, Requiem, Sanctus, measures 1-5 9 5
14. Mozart, Requiem, Sequence, "Dies irae," measures 1-8 97
15. Mozart, Requiem, Agnus Dei, quotation of the "Requiem" theme in the bass, measures 1-6 1 0 3
Vll
16a. Cherubini, Tuba mirum," measures 48-55, staccato exchanges between the voices to evoke a sense of "Death's and Nature's stupefaction" 124
16b. Cherubini, "Confiitatis," measures 199-207, rise and fall in both the instrumental and choral parts illustrating flames 114
17a. Mozart, Requiem. "Dies irae," measures 1-2, motive x in the soprano part _ 2 25
17b. Cherubini, Requiem in D Minor. "Dies irae," measures 6-7, motive a in the first tenor part 125
18a. Mozart, Requiem, "Dies irae," measures 4-5, motive y in the soprano part 226
18b. Cherubini, Requiem in D Minor "Dies irae," measures 15-16, motive b3 in the bass and tenor parts 126
19a. Mozart, Requiem, "Dies irae," measures 57-58, motive y1 in the soprano part 227
19b. Cherubini, Requiem in D Minor "Dies irae," measures 7-8, motive b in the bass and tenor parts ' 127
20a. Cherubini, Requiem in D Minor "niPg " m ^ u r n 6 10, motives b and b1 in the bass and tenor parts 128
20b. Cherubini, Requiem in D Minor. "Dies irae," measures 11-15, motives b and b2 in the bass and tenor parts 129
21 Motives y used as a form of word-painting to illustrate the "trembling" of men ("Quantus tremor est futurus") in measures 50-52 of Mozart's "Dies irae" movement 130
22. Motives b, b1, b2, and b3 appearing in a canon in measures 7-19 of Cherubini's Sequence 232
23. Melodic middle grounds of the opening measures of Mozart's and Cherubini's "Dies irae" ^ 3
24. An elaborated version of motive b appearing in the bass and tenor parts in measures 60-64 of Cherubini's "Tuba mirum" 135
Vlll
25. Melodic middle grounds of Mozart's and Cherubini's "Tuba mirum"
26a. Motive b followed by a modified inverted version of itself appearing in the bass at measures 126-128 of Cherubini's "Rex tremendae"
26b. A modified version of motive b appearing in the first tenor part in measures 134-139 ("salve me") of Cherubini's "Rex tremendae"
27. Melodic middle grounds of Mozart's and Cherubini's "Rex tremendae"
137
138
139
140
28. Cherubini, "Recordare," measures 144-148, where opening . theme in the bass uses an elaborate version of motive b1 142
canon
29. Melodic middle grounds of Mozart's and Cherubini's "Recordare"
30. Two modified versions of motive b3 appearing in the first tenor part in measures 234-244 ("Oro supplex") of Cherubini's
146 'Confiitatis''
31. Melodic middle grounds of Mozart's and Cherubini "Confiitatis"
;" : ' s
32. An extended version of motive a at measures 255-258 of Cherubini's "Lacrymosa"
3 3. Melodic middle grounds of the opening measures of Mozart' s and Cherubini's "Lacrymosa"
147
150
151
IX
LIST OF FIGURES
Figures Page
1. The Manuscript of Mozart's Requiem in the Court Library of Vienna 28
2. Freystadtler's, Eybler's, Stadler's, and Sussmayr's Contributions to the Requiem 30
3. Modern Editions of Mozart's Requiem based on his Autograph Score and/or Sussmayr's version 33
4. Errors in the First Edition of Mozart's Requiem as compared to Mozart's Autograph Score 38
5. Errors in the First Edition of Mozart's Requiem as compared to Sussmayr's version of the Requiem 42
6. The Opening Verse of the "Dies irae" poem and the Second Verse of the Responsorium "Libera me" 46
7. Verses 2-19 of the "Dies irae" poem as inspired by passages from
the Bible 47
8. The "Dies irae" poem 50
9. The Overall Tonal Design of Mozart's Requiem 58
10. The Overall Tonal Design of Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor 64
11. An Overview of the Layout of Mozart's Requiem 71
12. An Overview of the Layout of Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor 72
13. Instrumentation Specified in the Original Manuscript of
Mozart's Requiem 74
14. The Instrumentation in Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor 77
15. Form of the Mozart's Introit 79 x
16. Form of the Cherubini's Introit 81
17. Setting of the words "dona eis requiem" in Cherubini's
Requiem in D Minor . 83
18. Form of the Mozart's Offertory 87
19. Form of the Cherubini's Offertory 90
20. Form of the Mozart's/Siissmayr's Sanctus 94
21. Form of the Cherubini's Sanctus 100
22. Form of the Mozart's/Siissmayr's Agnus Dei 102
23. Form of the Cherubini's Agnus Dei 105
24. Form of the Pie Jesu 108
25. The General Tonal Plan of Mozart's "Dies irae" Movement 119
26. The Keys of the Individual Movement of Mozart's Sequence and the Tonal Scheme of Cherubini's Sequence 122
XI
CHAPTER I
LUIGI CHERUB INI: A SURVEY OF HIS CONTRIBUTIONS
This thesis speculates on the possible influence of Mozart's Requiem on
Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor, concluding that the Cherubini Sequence ("Dies irae")
borrows motivically as well as tonally from Mozart's Sequence. While Cherubini may
have composed his Requiem in D Minor to pay homage to Mozart, it is unlikely that he
modeled Mozart's Requiem closely. Therefore, one would not expect to find Cherubini's
Requiem in D Minor to be structurally similar to Mozart's Requiem. However, if one
looks beyond the surface level, there are compelling tonal and motivic resemblances
between the two Sequences that indicate a possible influence of the Mozart setting on
Cherubini. The final chapter of the thesis demonstrates how Cherubini composed his
Sequence by using the tonal scheme and motives from Mozart's setting of the Sequence.
The thesis is divided into two main parts. Part I, which covers the first three
chapters, focuses on the background information of the two Requiems. Chapter I
discusses Cherubini's contributions as a music educator, as well as an opera and church
music composer in France. Chapter II provides a review of the source materials of
Mozart's Requiem and speculates on the possible edition Cherubini might have known of
the work. Chapter III, which acts as a transition to the ensuing chapters, discusses the
choice of the key of D minor for both Requiems. Part II, which covers the final two
chapters, focuses on the analysis of the two works. Chapter IV compares the layout of
2
both Requiems (except both the Sequences) concluding that the Introit and Offertories of
both works show some musical similarities. The significance of the similarities in the
Introit and Offertories of both works is magnified by the tonal and motivic resemblances
between the two Sequences as demonstrated in the final chapter.
Luigi Carlo Zanobi Salvadore Maria Cherubini was born in Florence, Italy in 1760.
He settled permanently in Paris in 1788. He left his native country "because of a desire to
receive impressions other than those offered by his homeland, and to compose music more
avant-garde than was accepted by his fellow countiymen."1 In Paris, he was hailed as a
genius and a composer capable of setting new musical trends. His contemporaries
considered him creatively equal to Haydn and Beethoven, and his compositions were not
only well received in France, but also in many Germanic countries as well.2 However,
since his death, Cherubini has been unjustly neglected, and his influence as an educator as
well as an innovator in French operas is now forgotten. This chapter, therefore, seeks to
examine the achievements of Cherubini, and by so doing, it hopes to restore the honor he
deserves. Divided into three sections, the chapter begins by examining Cherubini's role as
a music educator and his effort in promoting the music of Mozart and Beethoven to the
Parisian audiences. Cherubini was not only well known for his sacred compositions but
also for his French operas. So as part of the discussion of his vocal works, I will examine
Music" 7A S t U d y ° f WS U f e ^ D r a m a t b
2Ibid., 1.
3
his French operas in the second section. The third and final section will focus on his
sacred compositions.
Cherubini as a Music F.Hnr.atnr
In 1795, the French government decreed that the Institut National de Mnsiqn*
become the Paris Conservatoiy of Music and Bernard Sarrette was appointed as the music
director of the Conservatory. Cherubini, together with Jean Francois Le Sueur, Andre
Gretiy, Francis-Joseph Gossec, and Etienne-Nicolas Mehul, was appointed as music
professor of the Conservatory. Cherubini taught both sight-singing and counterpoint
classes at the Conservatoiy and he was reported to be an excellent teacher. Under his
tutelage, several of his pupils won major prizes at the Conservatoiy. Desire-Alexandre
Batton was awarded grand prix for composition by the Conservatory in 1817, Jacques-
Francois Halevy was awarded the same prize in 1819, and Leborne in 1820.3
Besides teaching, Cherubini was also involved in two major publications starting in
1799. These publications were designed primarily for pedagogical purposes. The first
publication in 1799 involved the musical settings of two poems by the Greek writer
Anacreon for an edition of the Odes d' Anacreon by Jean-Baptiste Gail (1755-1829). The
purpose of this publication "was not only to publish the poems in their original Latin or
Reeve. " ^ 8 7 ^ 7 ^ ( L ° n d ° n :
4
Greek texts with good French translation, but also to reveal some of the theories of
ancient music."4
The second publication was designed for students' use at the Conservatory. It is
known as the Principes elementaires de mnsiqne and is divided into two parts. The first
part, consisting of three books, was published in 1800, and the second part, consisting of
two books, was published in 1801-1802. The titles of these five books are Principe
elementaires de musi^ue, Abrege des Principes suivi Hp pammes et solfepes facile
Recueil de so lves d' une difficult propre^ii^, Recueil de solffipe, H'
progressive a line voix. and Recueil de solfeges a deny trojs « nna.r,-
Considering the magnitude of the second publication, Cherubini certainly was not
expected to complete it alone. In fact, there were seven other musicians involved in the
project. They were Joseph Agus, Charles-Simon Catel, Gossec, Francois-Marie Langle,
Le Sueur, Mehul, and Henri-Jean Rigel. In the first part of the Principes elemental, h .
rnusigue, Cherubini composed twenty-four of the two hundred and fifteen solfege
exercises, and in the second part, forty-four out of the one hundred and thirty solfege
exercises. Cherubini's solfege exercises vary in length and difficulty. They range from a
simple two-voice canon of sixty or more measures, to a caprice for four voices, containing
a double canon at the octave that lasts nearly four hundred measures.5
4For example, the publication contains chapters entitled Snr IPC Th;« A
5Ibid., 93,
Cherubini's best known theoretical work was perhaps his Cours de
defiieueof 1835. This treatise was modeled on the works of renowned theorists such as
Fux, Marpurg, and Martini. It was designed to teach students the art of fogal writing by
first introducing them to the five specie, of strict counterpoint, and ultimately, to the
composition of fcgues.' The treatise was translated into several languages, including
English, and was widely used in many European music institutions in the nineteenth
century.
In 1822, Cherabini was promoted to music director of the Paris Conservatory.
Bellasis describes his leadership as follows:
&rth°HiLdid WS re'S° ^ t h a " " W a s f e l t K s adn>™strative ability shone New, ® p e n e n c e w a s lmmense, and he reformed the system of all the classes Never was there a greater transformation in the conduct of an institution
exists the°Zien« of Chemb^"' P ? m ° n ; a n d a s lonB ^ that Institution said to have depaSd fram™' ^ 1,16 ^ ^ c a n n o t "•
While Cherubini's promotion was no doubt based on his ability to lead, it was also based
on his experience as a music educator. As an educator, Cherubini was always seeking for
new ideas by studying the works other composers ' He revered Mozart and had great
respect for the music of Beethoven. He not only taught his students the works of
Macmillan, lPSof fv . ' ' c h e ^ S t ^
7Bellasis, 251.
8Willis, 202-03.
6
Beethoven, but he also introduced the music of Mozart and Beethoven to the Parisian
public in the first half of the nineteenth century.9
Cherubini's love for Mozart's music and especially his Regujem had possibly
caused him to compose his Requiem in D Minor as an homage to Mozart. His first
encounter with Mozart's Resuiem was in 1804 when he directed the first performance of
the work in Paris. The Reguiem was performed by two hundred of the best singers and
instrumentalists a, the church of Sain, Germain 1'Auxerrois just before Christmas. The
Parisians were so thrilled with the performance that it was repeated on the same day."
This was an important event in Paris because Mozm's music was often unjustly neglected
there in the early 1800s. A possible reason for such neglect may be due to poor
performances of his works." The success ofMozart's Eeguiem in !804 had caused the
Parisians to pay a little more attention to Mozart's music over the next few years. It was
not until Cherabini's return from London in 1815 that Mozart's music finally became
popular in Paris.
In 1815, Cherubini traveled to London to fulfill the commission of three works by
the newly fonned London Phi ,hankie Society. The Society was well known for its
9Ibid., 221.
10Bellasis, 141.
1809. ' T * h Paris between 1793-S i m r n (in 1805), ( i n I 8 0 1 ) ' fca operas of Luigi "The French
performances of the works of Mozart and Haydn." During Chembini's stay in London,
the works of Mozart were prominently featured in all the programs presented by the
London Phiftarmonic Society." Thus, there is little doubt that Cherubini's admiration for
Mozart's music intensified after his sojourn in London. According to Leo Schrade, in his
book, B e e t i u M u n F r ^ -the rise of Mozart to full esteem [ i n P a r i s ] d i d n o t o c c u r ^
about 1815,- which was the ve^ same year Cherubini returned to Paris from London,
and probably began actively promoting the music of Mozart.
1805 was an important year in Chembini's life. The director of Karnthnerthor
Theater, Baron von Braua, invited Cherubini to Vem* to compose two new operas for
the Theater. During his visit, he met with some of the most prominent composers of that
time, and one of them was Joseph Haydn. Cherubini was thrilled to meet Haydn. His
admiration for this great German composer had begun as early as 1785, when he first
heard several of Haydn's "Pans" symphonies (No. 82-87) p e t f o o d by the Concert
Spirituel in Paris. During their meeting, Chembini presented Haydn with a certificate of
honorary membership ,n the Paris Conservatory, and in return, Haydn gave Cherubini an
autographed copy of Ws "Drum-Roll" symphony (No. 103). After that meeting, the two
12Ibid., 234.
J 7
14Leo Schrade, Beethoven in France (New Haven, 1942), 15.
composers started writing to each other. Their correspondence lasted until the death of
Haydn in 1809.15
Cherubini also met Beethoven in Vienna. They struck up a friendship almost
immediately and Cherabini even attended the premiere of Beethoven's Fidelio at the
Theater an der Wien on November 20, 1805. Because Cherubini felt that Beethoven
needed to improve his choral writing skill, after the performance, he presented him with a
copy of a study in vocal style, entitled LQlethodedechsnldu C o n s e r v e H.
Beethoven gladly accepted Cherubini's criticism and kept the study as one of his most
treasured possessions.16
Upon his retunt to Paris,from Vienna in March of 1806, Cherubini not only took
uP the study of Beethoven's early symphonies, but he also taught them to his students a.
the Conservatory.17 Beethoven's music was no, famihar to Parisian audiences at that time.
Over the next two decades (1807-1827), only a few of Beethoven's works were performed
by the Conservatory orchestra for the public. However, the fate of Beethoven's music
began to change in 1828, when the _
by Cherubini, started actively promoting Beethoven's music (especially his symphonies) to
the Parisian public. Thus, through the effort of Che^bini, Beethoven, music finally
became popular in Paris starting in 1828.18
15WilIis, 206-07.
16Ibid., 205.
17Ibid„ 221.
18Selden, 238-39.
9
tenure at Cherubim had proven himself to be an outstanding educator during his
the Paris Conservator His knowledge of Mozart's music and especially his Requiem had
proved to be one of the most vital piece of information that underscored the premise of
this thesis. In addition, the instmmentation in Beethoven's early symphonies had exerted
some influences on his own instmmentation in the ReauiemiaDMinor. This issue will be
discussed further in Chapter IV.
Chenjbini was a vety talented composer who especially excelled in vocal
compositions. Besides the large amount of church music he composed throughout his
lifetime, he was also one of,he foremost opera composers of his age. So as part ofthe
discussion of his vocal compositions, this thesis also includes a discussion of his French
operas.
Cherubini's French Opprac
There were two types of opera popular in early nineteenth-century France. They
ODera comiq,,, a n ( | the tragedie lynqne, and Cherubini wrote in both of these
genres. However, Chembini, main contribution to French operatic histo,, was probably
h-s uruque interpretation ofthe oeeacamicue. He was able to transform the oeera
OnkUC "from a mixed genre of apparently limited potential into a vehicle for powerful
and varied dramatic portrayal and for the serious treatment of topics of direct
contemporary relevance. "19
19 Sadie, 206.
10
Among the more famous operas comiques of Cherubini were Lodofska (1791),
Eliza (1794), Medee (1797), and Les deux iournees (1800). All of these operas, except
Medee. were written in the popular "rescue" opera style, as established by Gretry's
Richard Coeur-de-Lion of 1784. Margery Seiden, in her dissertation, The French Operas
of Luigi Cherubini. points out the achievements of Gretry as follows:
At the time of Cherubini's entry into France, Andre Gretry was the leading figure in opera comique. and it was he who had made the most impressive studies in the genre. He had greatly expanded the orchestra in size and had increased its activity as an interpretative factor. He had sponsored the introduction of full choruses into the category and had elaborated the role of the ensemble.20
While Cherubini was influenced by the innovations of Gretry's opera comique, he
differs from Gretry in his dramatic treatment of the opera comique Gretry's characters are
often shallow and deprived of dramatic expression. Cherubini, on the other hand, presents
his characters with dramatic depth and realism.21 Furthermore, while Gretry's primary
focus is still on his arias and duets, Cherubini's emphasis is on his ensembles, which carry
the action forward. In Eliza, over half of the musical numbers are ensembles and the
opera contains only a few arias; and the same is true in Medee.22
Basil Deane points out the musical innovations in Medee as follows:
Never before had a tragic figure so completely dominated the operatic stage. The heroine [Medee] is presented with a Racinian power and concentration, her inner conflict symbolized by a vividly coloured and symphonically elaborated orchestral texture . . . In order to realize his conception . . . He employs a broad spectrum of devices to connect the music to the dramatic situation: sudden interruptions of
20Selden, 67.
21 Sadie, 206.
22WiIIis, 72.
11
phrases, unexpected pauses, ostinato chords, extreme dynamic contrasts, tempo fluctuations and new orchestral sounds and colours.23
As mentioned above, Cherubini had heard several of Haydn's "Paris" symphonies
performed in Paris in 1785. Scholars suggest that the new "symphonic treatment" of the
orchestra in Medee was probably due, in part, to the influence of Haydn's symphonies.
As we shall see, a more important connection relevant to the treatment of the orchestra in
his Requiem in D Minor is the influence of Beethoven's early symphonies.
In Les deux iournees. the ensembles predominate once again. Out of the fifteen
musical numbers, eleven of them are ensembles and the chorus participates in at least six
of these ensembles.24 One of the most interesting features in this opera is the use of
recurring motives. Willis points out that
In the second "Melodrame" of Act II, the melody of Mikeli's Act I aria, "Guide mes pas," is used in the orchestra to announce his imminent arrival. The finale of Act II is the dramatic climax of the opera, with the rather spectacular escape of Armand taking place. As he slips from the barrel, the orchestra sounds the music to the words "un bienfait n' est jamais perdu" from Antonio's Act I Romance.25
After 1800, Cherubini turned his attention to traeedie Ivrique in which he was less
successful. His French tragic operas were influenced by Gluck's tragedies lvriques. which
employ elaborate scenes, accompanied recitatives, choruses, as well as a more prominent
role to the orchestra. Among his traeedie Ivrique were Anacreon of 1803. Les
Abeneerages of 1813, and Ali-Baba of 183 3. All three operas were written for the Opera,
23Sadie, 206.
24Willis, 119.
25Ibid., 122-23.
12
the theater that staged only tragedies lvriques in Paris. Since they were all French tragic
operas, many ballet scenes were included. While Les Abenceraaes was written in a style
similar to Spontini's La Vestale (1807), Ali-Baba was written in the French grand opera
style, a genre in which Meyerbeer was a leading expert. While a weak libretto was to be
blame for the failure of Anacreon in Paris, it was the excessive length that had caused the
failure of Les Abenceraaes.26 Cherubini's last opera, Ali-Baba received only a mild success
in Paris.27
Before Cherubini's operas comiques. the typical opera comique known to the
Parisians consisted generally of a series of short musical numbers ~ couplets, and
vaudevilles » interspersed with long stretches of spoken dialogues. But, by around 1800,
Cherubini had completed his reforms in opera comique. and had divided the genre into
two distinct types: the tragic (as illustrated by Medee) and the comic (as seen in Les deux
journees). His reforms include (1) a lesser use of spoken dialogues, (2) addition of
ensembles and making them the most important component in the opera comique.
(3) reducing the number of arias in the opera comique. (4) de-emphasizing the divisions
between arias, ensembles, and melodramas so as to create a smooth, continuous
succession of scenes, and (5) making the orchestra more important both for its sake as
well as providing harmonic support to the vocal lines.28
26Sadie, 208.
27Bellasis, 328-33.
28Willis, 283.
1 3
Among the composers who were influenced by Cherubini's new developments in
opera comique included Halevy, Herold, and Beethoven.29 For example, in Beethoven's
Fidelio (1814 version), the best vocal writing is found in the ensembles, such as the trio
between Leonore, Florestan, and Don Fernando in the last finale ("O Gott! 0 Gott! Welch'
ein Augenblick").
Although Cherubini was less successful in his tragedies Ivriques he, nonetheless,
had also introduced some innovations in this genre. These innovations were (!) giving the
ensemble a more prominent role in the opera, (2) de-emphasizing the distinction between
recitative and aria so as to create a more continuous, succession of scenes, (3) "integrating
the ballet into the plot of the opera so that it "was not longer an unconnected entity,
involved simply for purposes of ostentation," and (5) giving the orchestra the same
improvements as in his opera comique.30 Among the composers who had studied the
tragedie lyrique of Cherubini included Weber, Mendelssohn, and Wagner.31 f
While there is no direct bearing of Cherubini's French operas to the topic of this
thesis, his operas nonetheless represent a vital part of his vocal compositions. More
importantly, the numerous reforms in his French operas had profound effect on many
composers of his time, including Beethoven. Interestingly, while Cherubini was influenced
by the instrumentation of Beethoven's early symphonies, Beethoven, in turn, was inspired
by Cherubini's opera comique
29Ibid., 284.
30Ibid.
31 Ibid., 3.
14
Cherubini's Church Music
The mature sacred compositions of Cherubini include seven masses, two requiem
masses, and several shorter works.32 Under the tutelage of Giuseppe Sarti (whom
Cherubini studied with from 1778 to 1782), he had acquired a good foundation in
sixteenth-century counterpoint by studying the works of Palestrina and other composers.
His contemporaries called him the "modern Palestrina"33 and Fetis, talking about his
church music, stated that "No other composer, has, in sacred music, so united the severe
beauties of fugue and counterpoint with just expression and rich orchestral effects."34
The seven mature masses of Cherubini include the Mass in F Maior (1809), Mass
in D Minor (1811), Mass in C Maior (1816), Mass in E (1818), Mass in G Maior (1819),
Mass in B-flat Major (1821V and Mass in A Maior (1825V The Mass in G Maior and the
Mass in A Maior were coronation masses; the former for the coronation of Louis XVIII,
and the latter for the coronation of Charles X. Except for the Mass in F Maior and
Mass in D Minor, the rest of the masses are intended for church use.35 Gary Gerber, in
his dissertation, "A Conductor's Analysis of the Sacred Choral Music of Luigi Cherubini",
describes the general musical characteristics of his masses: (1) the choral parts are often
32Sadie, 208.
33Ibid.
34J. H. Deane, "The Works of Cherubini," The Musical Standard 4, no. 83 (4 November 1985): 143.
35The Mass in F (totaled 2033 measures) and Mass in D minor (totaled 2563 measures) are unsuitable for liturgical use because they are too long. See Basil Deane, Cherubini (London: Oxford University Press, 1965), 22-23.
15
treated homophonically, (2) the contrapuntal writings are presented in two forms, canons
and fugues; and they often appear at the end of the Gloria or Credo movements, (3) meter
changes are uncommon, except at the end of a fugue movement, (4) upward melodic
motion of the choral and orchestral parts is usually found in the Gloria and Sanctus
movements, (5) Cherubini is conservative in his use of harmony and his chord
progressions are usually diatonic with very few altered chords or chromaticism.36
Cherubini's greatest achievements in church compositions were, perhaps, his two
requiem masses. The first was the Requiem in C Minor, commissioned by the French
government in 1815 for the 1816 anniversary of the execution of Louis XVI.37 It was first
performed on January 21, 1817 at St. Denis1 Abbey Church and was repeated there in
1820 for the funeral of the Duke of Berri, who had been murdered.38
Cherubini had envisioned the overall structure of the Requiem in C Minor to be
one that is restricted and restrained. He did not want the overall unity of the work to be
disrupted by minor details and in order to achieve his goal,
. . . he eliminated soloists entirely and strove for continuous, cohesive forms, distilling his musical idioms, avoiding any embellishment of the melodic lines and relating his chromaticism and modulation strictly to the textual meaning. In the vocal score his setting looks bare to the point of naivety; in performance, when the orchestra colours the chords and lines, when the dynamic proportions and the
36/ 6Gary George Gerber, "A Conductor's Analysis of the Sacred Choral Music of Luigi Cherubini" (D.M.A. diss., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1993), 37-48.
37Deane, Cherubini. 25.
38Bellasis, 230.
16
formal structure are realized in sound, it comes alive, direct in its impact, utterly convincing in its interpretation of the liturgy.39
Cherubini's Requiem in C Minor achieved a longlasting success and was praised by
many leading composers of his day. Beethoven declared that if he were to compose a
requiem mass, Cherubini's would be his only model. Schumann called it unequaled, and
Brahms thought it was marvelous. Berlioz considered the Requiem in C Minor to be
Cherubini's finest sacred work.40
Before Cherubini wrote his Requiem in C Minor, he was already well-acquainted
with the meaning of the text of the requiem mass. As mentioned above, he was the first
composer to introduce Mozart's Requiem to the French in 1804. A close examination of
the two works, however, reveals only a slight resemblance between the openings of the
two "Dies irae" movements. Compare Examples 1 and 2. The vocal parts are set in a
rhythmic pattern of two half notes, followed by two quarter notes in the opening line "Dies
irae, dies ilia" of Mozart's Requiem. The same rhythmic pattern can be seen in the vocal
parts of the opening of Cherubini's "Dies irae" movement also. Furthermore, both "Dies
irae" movements use string tremolos to reflect upon the dark and frightful messages of the
text ("Day of wrath, that day shall dissolve the world into embers, as David prophesied
with the Sibyl. How great the trembling will be . . .).
39Sadie, 208.
40Ibid.
17
Example 1. Mozart, Requiem. "Dies irae," measures 1-4. 41
§
IS:
Alia vsssxTuttL
a - i». A,,' * • * AJiausai,.
4IWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Requiem (Leipzig: Breitkopf& Hartel, 1800), 29. See Chapter II regarding the reason for using this edition.
18
Example 2. Cherubini, Requiem in C minor. "Dies irae," measures 10-14. 42
42 r Luigi Cherubini, Requiem in C minor (New York: Edwin F. Kalmus & Co Inc
[n.d.]), 14. " "
19
While traces of Mozart's Requiem can be heard in Cherubini's Requiem in C
Minor, it was not until Cherubini's second and final Requiem in D minor, and especially in
the Sequence that he fully explored the tonal and motivic elements in Mozart's setting of
the Sequence. An in-depth analysis comparing Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor with
Mozart's Requiem is provided in Chapter IV and V of the thesis and no analysis is given in
this chapter.
The last great work of Cherubini was his second Requiem, in D minor, composed
in 1836. This Requiem was conceived when the Archbishop of Paris, in 1834, refused to
allow the performance of his Requiem in C Minor at the funeral of Francois- Adrien
Boieldieu (Cherubini's student) because of its inclusion of female voices. To avoid future
criticism from the Archbishop, he decided to compose another requiem that employs only
men's voices for his own funeral. Based on the musical similarities discussed in Chapters
IV and V, it is also possible that part of the reason for composing his Requiem in D Minor
is to pay homage to Mozart. The Requiem in D Minor is scored for three-part men's
chorus: first and second tenors and basses. Deane states that
The first tenor part is designed for that class of high tenor, approaching a counter-tenor, formerly common in France. This has two important consequences. Firstly, Cherubini can achieve fairly wide-spaced chords and textures. Secondly, the vocal ensemble is given a special intensity of tone colour, deriving from the high tessitura of the top part, and the masculine unity of the voices.43
Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor was admired by many leading composers of its
time, and one of them was Mendelssohn. He was so impressed by the work that he
43 Deane, Cherubini. 30.
20
recommended it to the Committee of the Lower Rhine Musical Festival to be performed
there in 1838.44
The two Requiems of Cherubini are very similar in plan, and they both have the
same movement settings: Introit, Gradual, Sequence: "Dies irae", Offertory: "Domine
Jesu", Sanctus, Pie Jesu, Agnus Dei, and Communion. Like his first Requiem, his second
Requiem in D Minor does not use any soloist The only major difference in the two
Requiems besides the deployment of voices is in the setting of the Gradual: the first
Requiem uses orchestral accompaniment while the second Requiem is set unaccompanied
and uses more chromaticism than the first.
In addition to the two Requiems discussed above, Cherubini also wrote some
ninety motets, antiphons, and other shorter works during his lifetime. These works range
from solo voice, two- and three-part soli, to three- and four-part chorus, double chorus, or
a combination of soli and chorus. His more interesting shorter works are those written in
1815 and onward. These works include several solo motets (of which Ave Maria of 1816
was the most popular), Litanie della Versine (1820), O fons amoris (1822), India Domine
(1823), Credo (1828), and Sciant eentes (1829), just to name the more important ones.45
However, Deane points out that "as excellent as many of them are, they are overshadowed
by the requiem masses."46
44Bellasis, 338.
45Gerber, 53.
46 Sadie, 209.
21
To summarize, this chapter examines the career of Cherubini as a music educator
as well as a composer of church music. As part of the discussion of his vocal
compositions, Cherubini's French operas were also discussed. The most crucial point
made in this chapter is that Cherubini's admiration for Mozart's music and especially his
Requiem (which he performed in 1804 in Paris) may be part of his reason for composing
the Requiem in D Minor in order to pay homage to Mozart.
But which edition of Mozart's Requiem did Cherubini know in 1804? Could it be
possible that the edition he knew was totally inauthentic? It is widely known that Mozart's
Requiem was completed by one of his students, Sussmayr, and some scholars have
questioned the completion and authenticity of the work since the early nineteenth century.
The crucial question still is how much of the Requiem is by Mozart and how much is
completed by Sussmayr. Is it possible that most of the music of the Requiem was written
by Sussmayr instead of by Mozart? The next chapter addresses the various issues
concerning the completion and authenticity of Mozart's Requiem and speculates on the
edition of the work Cherubini possibly knew and performed in Paris in 1804.
CHAPTER II
MOZART'S REQUIEM: A HISTORIC REVIEW OF THE SOURCE MATERIALS
When Mozart died in 1791, his Requiem, commissioned by Count Walsegg of
Stuppach, was left incomplete.47 At the invitation of Mozart's widow, Constanze, one of
his pupils, Franz Xavier Sussmayr, working from the partially completed autograph and
the few sketches left by his mentor, finished the incomplete work. Sussmayr's version of
the Requiem was sent to Count Walsegg in March 1792 and two more copies of the
Requiem were made for Constanze.48 Sussmayr's name, however, did not appear in any of
these copies. Ignoring Count Walsegg's rights of ownership, Constanze negotiated with
Breitkopf and Hartel of Leipzig to publish the Requiem in 1799. Finally, in the summer of
1800, Breitkopf and Hartel published the first full-score edition of the Requiem 49
Sussmayr's name, again, did not appear in this edition. It was this edition of Mozart's
Requiem that was widely used in performances of the work throughout Germany, and was
The information in this chapter is largely based on Christoph Wolff Mozart's
Wl! ! J |T . t f ' l t T C a n d A n a l y T '^1 S t u d i e- s- ftoniments- and trans, by Maty Whittall (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994).
48Sussmayr is believed to have kept a copy for himself. Ibid., 27.
• T ™ C T t a n Z e v i s i t e d L e i p z i g i n 1 7 9 6 ' s h e made two more copies of the Requiem based on Sussmayr's version of the score during her stay She then gave one of
t S * f T h e U h J s ftSSZSr equiem (Leipzig 1800) was based on that given copy. Ibid., 15
22
23
possibly the edition Cherubini used in introducing Mozart's Requiem to French audiences
in 1804.50
In 1825, Gottfiied Weber published an article entitled Oher die Fchthmt
Mozartschen Requiem (On (he Authenticity of M n z r f , w h i c h s t a n e d fte SQ_
called "Requiem-Streit," or Requiem controversy In his article, Weber raised the
question of authorship of the work, since no documentary evidence or original source
material was available at that time to disprove his belief He severely criticized Sussmayr's
role in connection with the Breitkopf and Hartel's first edition of the Requiem in 1800, and
doubted the authenticity of that edition. Although the issue of authenticity of Mozart's
Rsouiem had been raised by several scholars earlier in the nineteenth century, it was
Weber's article that brought the issue to the forefront.51
In the early years of the Requiem controversy, Weber's comments regarding the
problem of authorship ofMozar t ' s Reouiem c o u ] d n o t b e & | | y r e f l l t e d b e c a u s e ^
manuscripts were kept from the general public by the owners for unknown reasons.
However, gradually, one piece at a time, Mozart's autograph score started to resurface,
first in 1829, and again in 1833. Finally, in 1838, the Requiem controversy took a new
turn with the unexpected resurfacing of the "original" full score of the Requiem formerly
owned by Count Walsegg.
Cooper Squ^e t r a " S P a u U n e D T o w " s e n d ' v o 1 3 (New York:
(1825): ^ d iC E c h t h d t d 6 S M o 2 a r t s c t e > R « l - m , " M i a 3,
24
The remainder of the chapter is devoted to a review of the history of the source
materials, which will include a close reading ofWeber's article of 1825, in particular, his
arguments about the problem of authorship of Mozart's Requiem The discussion will also
focus on the impact the discovery of Mozart's autograph score and the "original" Reouiem
formerly owned by Count Walsegg have had on the first edition of the Renni^ published
by Breitkopf and Hartel, the edition that was possibly used by Cherubini in 1804.
A Review of the History of the Source Mat^riale
When Breitkopf and Hartel bought the rights (from Constanze) to publish Mozart's
Reauiem ,n 1799, they were concerned with the question of whether Mozart actually
completed the Reauiem; and indeed, if someone finished the work for Mozart, which
movements were written by him? Since Breitkopf and Hartel possessed only a secondary
copy of the Reauiem, they were determined to get to the bottom of the matter so as to
avoid problems and possible embarrassment later,'2 They got in touch with Sussmayr (as
suggested by Constanze) and he responded to them in a letter on 8 February 1800. In his
letter, he humbly described his work on the Requiem as "unworthy" of the name of
Mozart, which possibly explained why he did not want his name to be printed in the score
that was delivered to Count Walsegg in 1792.® The crucial points he made in his letter
were: (1) that Constanze had first asked "several masters" (they were Franz Jacob
Freystadtler, Joseph Eybler, and Abbe Maximilian Stadler, and their contributions to the
52see footnote 49.
53C See p 25 for other reasons.
25
Requiem are discussed below the chapter) to complete the work. But they were unable to
complete the work for some unknown reasons; (2) that the request was finally made to
him because he had often played and sung through the music with Mozart during the last
weeks of his life, and Mozart "had frequently talked to me [ Sussmayr] about the detailed
working of the composition and explained to me [Sussmayr] the how and the wherefore of
his instrumentation;" (3) that "of the Requiem [i.e., the Introit] with Kyrie, 'Dies irae< [i.e.,
the Sequence], and Domine Jesu Christe' [i.e., the Offertory], Mozart completed the four
vocal parts and the figured bass" (except for the "Laciymosa" afier the line "qua resurget
ex favilla"),54 while he [Mozart] "indicated only the motivic idea here and there" in the
instrumentation; (4) that he [Sussmayr] had completed the Sequence, and composed new
materials for the Sanctus, the Benedictus, and the Agnus Dei and; (5) that "in order to
give the work greater uniformity" he had taken the liberty of repeating the"Kyrie" fugue
from the start, and ending the Requiem with the words "cum sanctis tuis."" Perhaps, the
publishers, Breitkopf and Hartel, agreed to suppress Sussmayr's name in the Requiem less
because they considered him "unworthy" of Mozart's name. Rather, it was in their best
interest financially to publish the first foil-score edition of the Requiem in 1800 under
Mozart's name.
55-Ibid., 145-146.
26
Sussmayr's letter has long been regarded as the most important and most reliable
testimony regarding his role in the Rgujem * However, Weber doubted the content of
Sussmayr's letter to the publishers. He was convinced the Regujem that was sent to Count
Walsegg in 1792 was no more than a forgery carefully constructed by Sussmayr:
I' ' T h e U p s h o t i s that' •" PIace o f t h e above-mentioned, very well-founded
lozart has not - or at least not yet - seen the light of day.57
Thus, Weber must also have believed Breitkopf and HSrteTs first edition of the R * n . , i , m i n
1800 to be inauthentic, since it was based on Sussmayr's version of the work." Weber's
criticisms of the Refluiem were harsh, but his opinions were, nonetheless, shared by Otto
Jahn," one of Mozart's first biographers, and Robert Schumann.60
However, in 1838, the Requiem controversy took a new turn when the Court
Library in V.enna (now the Osterreichische Nationalbibliothek) bought the ''original'' score
Of the Rsuiiem formerly owned by Count Walsegg. Upon acquisition of the document,
Echtheit ,S ia d l e r 7 ° t e a n a r t i d e emi«ed Ysthsdieum. der V s e o f t h e touim's^sr&r
Hartel. Ib d 149 152 ^ * , e S " m 0 n y t 0 t h e P u M ^ r s , Breitkopf and
"Ibid., 10.
58See footnote 49.
59Wolff, 9.
Tonwerke 6 ° ^ s ^ b ^ X i l g l T i a j j s c h ^ s ^ V e r ^ chnis samtlirW
Sievers (Wiesbaden, 1966), 730. ' W 8 1 " 8 ' A I e x a n d e r Weinmann, and Gerd
27
the music librarian, Hofnat Ignaz von Mosel, had the score examined by a group of
graphologists. Their conclusion, after comparing the score with Sussmayr's manuscripts in
Budapest, was that it was indeed in too different hands, namely Mozart's and Sussmayr's.
Also m 1829, and again in 1833, several movements of Mozart's autograph score of the
Eeauiem w e r e a c q u i r e d b y ^ ^ ^ ^
autograph score came from Stadler and Eybler" Figure I shows the Court Library's
acquisitions up to 1838. The data in Figure 1 is taken from Wolffs book, Mozarfs
Requiem: Historical and Analytical S t n f e r.nC„mCTt»
Stadler and Eybler not only owned several movements of Mozart's autograph
score, but were also partly responsible for the completion of the Requiem. In Sussmayr's
letter to the publishers, Breitkopf and Hartel, he revealed that there were "several masters"
who were involved in writing the Requiem. These "masters" were Freystadtler, Eybler,
Stadler, and Sussmayr himself. All four of them were specially chosen by Constanze not
only for their talents, but also because they possessed handwriting similar to that of
Mozart. This was important because Constanze wanted Count Walsegg, as well as the
public, to believe that Mozart had actually finished the Regukm. Therefore, the score had
to appear "authentic" in order that her husband's name be printed on it. Constanze firs,
turned to Freystadtler for the task, then Eybler, and then, Stadler. All three of them failed
to complete the Requiem due to some unknown reasons. Finally, Constanze invited
61 Wolff, 12.
28
Figure . The Manuscript of Mozart's Requiem in the Court Library of Vienna M stands or movements and/or sections from Mozart's autograph score and S stands for Sussmayrs completion of the movements and/or sections of the Requiem 62
From From From Movement Stad!erX1829) . J a b l e r ^ Co»n, W
M L introit : Requiem
Kyrie
II. Sequence : Dies irae M
Tuba mirum M
Rex tremendae M
Recordare M
Confutatis M
Lacrymosa M (up to m. 8)
III. Offertory : Domine Jesu
M
S
S
S
S
S
S
M S
Hostias
IV. Sanctus : Sanctus
Benedictus
V. Agnus dei
VI. Communion: Lux aeterna
S
S
s
s
s
Data from ibid., diagram 1.
29
Sussmayr to complete the Requiem, which he did. His version of the Requiem was
delivered to Count Walsegg in 1792 « Figure 2 shows Freystadtler's, Eyblefs, Stadler's
and Sussmayr's contributions to the Requign. The data in Figure 2 is also taken from
Wolffs book, Mozart's Requiem: Historical and Analytic! scnig,. r ton,n»n„
Score. In Mozart's autograph score, the Introit (i.e. the Requiem) is fully completed. In
addition, the vocal parts and a figured bass were also worked out from the Kyrie (i.e. the
Introit) to the "Hostias" (i.e. the Offertory), and some motivic ideas for the orchestral
accompaniment were also indicated.
The Introit (with Kyrie) was long accepted as entirely Mozart's autograph until it
was proven otherwise by Leopold Nowak in 1973. He discovered the instrumental parts
in the Kyrie were not by Mozart, but by two of his pupils, Freystadtler and Sussmayr.
According to Nowak, Mozart's motivic ideas were used by Freystadtler to complete the
SOIfejMte String and woodwind accompaniment, while the trumpet and timpani parts
were added by Sussmayr." However, for some unknown reason, Freystadtler failed to
finish the orchestration for the rest of the movements. The task was then passed on to
Eybler. 65
63 Ibid., 24-27.
64T
Eybler received a document dated 21 Decemher 1701 tu- • ^ documentary evidence whirh «hn«7c c kt L , 1/91. This is the only C o n s t a t to complete her husband's j L ™ ' £
30
Figure 2. Freystadtler's, Eybler's, Stadler's, and Siissmayr's Contributions to the Requiem
Mozart's Autograph Score:
Autograph Score (as left by Mozart on 5 December 1791^
Intermediate Stages: Additions to the Autograph Scnre
I. Introit :Requiem Kyrie
II. Sequence :Dies irae Tuba mirum Rex tremendae Recordare Confutatis
Lacrymosa
• Eybler: instrumentation
Eybler: m. 9-10 (new composition)
III. Offertory .Domine Jesu 1 Stadler: instrumentation Hostias J (separated from the
autograph)
Other Additions not in Mozart's Autograph Score:
IV. Sanctus :Sanctus Benedictus
V. Agnus dei
VI. Communion: Lux aeterna
Siissmayr's copy for Count Walsegg
(March 1797.1
Autograph copy [Requiem + Kyrie]; Kyrie: instrumentation by Freystadtler and Siissmayr
revision of Eybler's instrumentation by Siissmayr
Siissmayr: instrumentation (mm. 1-8) and new composition (mm. 9-30)
Siissmayr's instrumentation possibly based on Stadler's
Siissmayr: new composition
66: Data from ibid., table 1.
31
Eybler completed the instrumentation of the Sequence (except the "Lacrymosa"),
which served as a model for Sussmayr's work. In fact, SQssmayr made only minor
changes to Eybler's instrumentation of the Sequence in his [ Sussmayr's] copy for Count
Walsegg. Eybler, after orchestrating five sections of the Sequence" and composing new
materials for the soprano line (m. 9-10) of the "Lactymosa,"" gave up the task for
unknown reasons.
Unlike Eybler, Stadler69 did not write on Mozart's autograph score. Instead, he
copied the entire Offertory from Mozart's autograph score and wrote his instrumentation
on his copy. Thus, Sussmayr's copy includes two layers of instrumentation, one possibly
based on Stadler's.
The Sanctus (with Benedictus) and the Agnus Dei were composed entirely by
Sussmayr.70 He also repeated the "Kyrie" fugue in the Communion (the last movement of
the Beguiem) to give the work greater unity. Thus, there is no doubt that Sussmayr
obably based on the motivic ideas as indicated sparingly in Mozart's autograph 67
score.
Wolff, 30-32. g F o r m o r e information see
The possibility Stadler may be involved in writing the RenmVm ;c , , " " f ™ t t e " This manuscript containsfhe u " 1 * 3
Hostias, and both sections are partially orchestrated • Offertory can be found in the r w i ;h„ , f , e r s m a n u s c n Pt of the ibid., 23 0 U r t L l b r i u y o f V l e n n a marke<l (Mus. Hs. 4375A), see
are p a r t ^ d o n w f z L T S s t ' * 7 ™ ^ T P ' e , i ° n ™ovements However, Mozart's drSs „f » 8 ** C 'a U n e d t h e m t 0 b e ° ™ prove otherwise. Ibid., 42-43, w 0 movements are lost today and, therefore, cannot
32
played a major role in finishing the Requiem. He not only orchestrated portions of the
completed torso by revising the contributions of his predecessors, he also composed the
movements starting with the "Laciymosa." Finally, one must also acknowledge
Sussmayr's meticulous effort in producing a copy of the Requiem that looked convincingly
authentic to satisfy Mozart's client Count Walsegg, who had commissioned the work.
Thus, the existing manuscripts (Mozart's autograph score and Sussmayr's version
of the Reguiem for Count Walsegg in 1792) that were acquired by the Court Library of
Vienna in the 1830s helped to resolve the authorship problem raised by Weber's article of
1825. As documented in the two manuscripts, we now know that Freystadtler, Eybler,
and Stadler were partly involved in orchestrating the Requiem, and that Sussmayr played a
key role in completing the work. In addition, publishers today can rely on these two
sources to produce editions that best represent the work of Mozart and Sussmayr.
Sussmayr's version of the Requiem is still important to publishers today because in the
case of those movements where no draft of Mozart existed (such as the Sanctus and
Agnus Dei), Sussmayr's score is "the only source that offers [us] the opportunity to
discover the ideas that originated with Mozart: basic musical elements, motives,
fragments, forms, and techniques.''71 Figure 3 shows a list of selected modern editions of
the Requiem that are based on Mozart's autograph score and/or Sussmayr's version of the
Requiem for Count Walsegg in 1792.
71 Ibid., 52.
33
Figure 3. Modern Editions of Mozart's Requiem based on his Autograph Score and/or Sussmayr's version.
Modern Editions edited by:
Mozart's Autograph Score
Count Walsegg's Score (Sussmayr's version
Comments
Breitkopf and Hartel, first complete works edition, 1951, series 24, no. 1
This is the Alte Mozart-Ausgabe (Leipzig, 1886), with critical report by Brahms
Franz Beyer, Zurich, 1971; 2nd ed., 1979
Orchestration based on Mozart's operas: The Magic Flute and La Clemenza di Tito
Fnedrich Blume, 1932 edition; the Eulenburg edition
Also based on Breitkopf and Hartel's edition of 1800 and first complete works edition, 1951, series 24, no. 1
Leopold Nowak, Neue Mozart-Auseabe 1965
Also contains Eybler's instrumentation of the Sequence
Richard Maunder 1988 edition [new completion]
Orchestration based on Mozart's operas: The Magic Flute and La Clemenza di Tito
Robert Levin Neuhausen-Stuttgart,1993 [new completion]
Revised movements by Siissmayr
34
Both Franz Beyer s and Richard Maunder's editions introduce radical changes in
the orchestration of Mozart's Requiem. While Beyer's edition seeks to improve on
Sussmayr's orchestration, Maunder's edition totally ignores Sussmayr's orchestration.
Both editions focus on Mozart's late practices in orchestration, particularly as illustrated in
his operas The Magic Flute and La Clemenza di Tito The problem with both editions is
that they fail to realize that operatic style of writing may not be suitable for the Requiem.72
The elaborate orchestration in these two operas is far from what Mozart had intended for
his Requiem. His Requiem seems to be written in an entirely new style in comparison with
his earlier sacred works. His main concern in the Requiem is in the intricate structuring of
the four vocal parts ~ the instrumental accompaniment plays a secondary role in the work.
In contrast, his earlier sacred works "rest on a less homogenous vocal foundation, while
the orchestral writing has correspondingly more weight and substance.1,73 Yet, the
orchestration in his earlier sacred works is still far less elaborated than in his operas. The
polyphonic techniques employed in the Requiem (e.g., in the "Recordare" of the
Sequence) are very similar to those use in his late string quartets (e.g., the six "Haydn"
quartet dated 1782 to 1785), where the four-part texture is treated as a whole and each
part is given equal importance. This new style of vocal writing is also evident in his Ave
verum corpus motet (1791), the modest string accompaniment of which foreshadows the
lesser role instruments play in his last sacred work, the Requiem 74
^Ibid., 38
73Ibid., 33.
74Ibid., 32-33.
one
35
On the other hand, Robert Levin's edition did not seek to introduce operatic
writing into the Requiem. His edition is a totally new, rethought version of the work,
that not only includes an "Amen" fugue (based on Mozart's sketch) at the end of the
"Lacrymosa" movement, but also a full revision of the movements by Sussmayr (Sanctus
through Agnus Dei).75 In Mozart's autograph, one can clearly see that the composer had
intended to end each major movement of his Requiem fugally and Levin certainly
understood Mozart's intent by constructing the "Amen" fugue based on motivic ideas left
by Mozart. He revised the Sanctus and Agnus Dei by using musical ideas from the earlier
movements and unlike Beyer's or Maunder's edition, his edition has kept the liturgical
integrity of the work. His perception of the Requiem solely as a liturgical composition
rather than a work that is stylistically modeled on Mozart's own operas thus demonstrates
his understanding of the two genres as being different and not to be mixed.
Cherubini and the. First Edition of Mozart's Regn^m
The question of whether Cherubini knew about the Requiem controversy
ultimately far less important than the fact that he introduced the Requiem to French
audiences in 1804, possibly using the first full-score edition of the work published by
Breitkopf and Hartel in 1800. However, since the first edition of the Requiem is based
a copy of Sussmayr's score, one may want to know if there are any differences between
IS
on
A m . °5 m o r e ^formation concerning the "Amen" fugue sketch, see Wolfgang
section T VO.Tm K ' ^ N e u e Mozarf-Ansgahe, series 1, work group 1 1965) Fragment, ed. Leopold Nowak (Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag,'
36
the two versions. One may also want to know if there are any major differences between
the first edition and Mozart's autograph score. This is important because musical
references in the ensuing chapters will be based on the first edition of Mozart's Requiem.
A comparison of the three sources reveals no major differences between them,
except for some minor notational errors in the first edition (see Figures 4 and 5 for a
summary of these errors). The overall design and orchestration in the three sources are
very similar except for two minor variants. First, unlike Mozart's autograph score and
Sussmayr s score, the first published edition of the Requiem indictaes no figured bass.
Secondly, the numbering of the sections in the first edition differs from Sussmayr's score.
Mozart, however, did not number his sections in his autograph score.76
Despite those minor variants and errors in the first edition of Mozart's Requiem it
is my considered opinion that they had little or no effect on Cherubini's overall perception
of the work. The comparison of the three sources shows that all the movements of the
first edition are constructed in the same manner as in Mozart's autograph and Sussmayr's
version of the score, starting with the Introit and followed by the Sequence, the Offertory,
the Sanctus, and ending with the Agnus Dei movement. However, it may be possible that
in the 1804 performance of the Requiem, Cherubini might have revised the Sanctus and
Agnus Dei movements (both by Sussmayr) in order to achieve a more musically unified
setting of the work as originally intended by Mozart. Furthermore, the orchestration in
R . m • T h C *W0 SOUrces ' M o z a r t ' s autograph score and Sussmayr's version of the
vou'^dT8"80" W,h flrst edition based on the
37
Mozart's Requiem had little influence on Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor One possible
assumption is that he knew the orchestration, especially in the Sanctus and Agnus Dei
movements, were not entirely by Mozart. The second possibility lies in his preference for
a more expanded instrumentation, which led him to follow the instrumentation of
Beethoven's early symphonies rather than Mozart's Requiem (Chapter IV will provide
further discussion regarding the instrumentations in Mozart's Requiem and Cherubini's
Requiem in D MinorV
To summarize, while Freystadtler, Eybler, and Stadler were partly involved in
orchestrating Mozart's Requiem, it was Sussmayr who played a key role in completing the
work. Sussmayr not only completed the orchestration of the Requiem but also composed
the Sanctus and Agnus Dei movements and completed the "Lacrymosa" movement
starting in measure 9 onward. The first full-score edition published by Breitkopf and
Hartel in 1800 was based on a copy of Sussmayr's version of the Requiem It was
Breitkopf s edition of the Mozart's Requiem that Cherubini possibly knew and used in
performing the work in Paris in 1804. A comparison of Breitkopfs edition of the Requiem
with Mozart's autograph and Sussmayr's version of the Requiem reveals no significant
differences between the three sources. The first edition of the Requiem was veiy similar in
content to Mozart's autograph as well as Sussmayr's version of the Requiem Thus, based
on the result of this comparison, the reason to use the first full-score edition of Mozart's
Requiem in the ensuing chapters is justified.
38
Figure 4. Errors in the First Edition of Mozart's Requiem as compared to Mozart'; Autograph Score.
Movement Measure
I. Introit 1
Errors in the first edition Correction
meter: (f meter: C
20
20
22
24
30
34 (beat 4) to 35
36
violin I, eighth note tie to sixteenth notes
violin II and bassoon II, no slur from C to A
violin I, beat 2 slurs to first half of beat 3
cello, whole measure is slurred
viola, starting pitch of beat 4 isE
quarter note tie to sixteenth notes
slur from C to A
first half of beat 3 slurs to end of beat 4
beat 1 slurs to beat 2 and beat 3 to 4
starting pitch should be E-flat
basset horn II uses two no slur in the basset slurs for the sixteenth notes horn II part and the and in the alto part, the sixteenth notes in sixteenth notes are slurred the alto part are in groups of (4 + 6 + 2 + 8) slurred as (2 + 2 + 4
+ 4 + 6 + 2)
basset horn I, sixteenth notes are slurred in groups of four and alto part in groups of (2 + 2 + 6 + 2)
basset horn I, sixteenth notes are not slurred. Alto part is slurred in groups of ( 2 + 2 + 4 + 4)
39
Movement Measure
40 to 42
Kyrie 58
63
64
70
77 to 78
Figure 4. Continued.
Errors in the first edition Correction
soprano part, slur always begins in second half of beat 2 to beat 1 of next measure
basset horn I, beat 1 tie to beat 2 and 3
soprano part, beat 2 is four sixteenth notes slurred and beat 3 is not slurred to beat 4
second beats of violin II, basset hom II and alto part are slurred. Beat 3 is slurred to the end of beat 4 in the alto part. Starting two sixteenth notes of tenor and bass parts are slurred
basset horn I, second half of beat 3 is B-natural
alto part, last beat does not tie over to beat 1 of next measure
slur always begins in beat 3 to beat 1 of next measure except in m. 42 where it ends on beat 4
no tie between the beats
beat 2 is not slurred and beat 3 is slurred to beat 4
second beats of violin II, basset horn II and alto part are not slurred. Beat 3 is only slurred to first half of beat 4 in the alto part. Starting two sixteenth notes of tenor and bass parts are not slurred
second half of beat 3 is B-flat
last beat does tie over to beat 1 of next measure
40
Movement Measure
97
Figure 4. Continued.
Errors in the first edition Correction
II. Rex 21 tremendae
Recordare 55 to 56
120
123
124
Lacrymosa 26
basset horn II and violin II, starting four eighth notes not slurred. Violin I, first two eighth notes not slurred and also beat 3 is not slur to beat 4. Alto part, beat 1 and 2, and tenor beat 2, are not slurred
notes in the soprano, alto, and tenor parts are slurred
tenor part, beat 3 is not tie over to beat 1 of next measure. Beat 1 is slur to beat 2 in m. 56
tenor part, slurs are used
soprano part, beat 2 and 3 are slurred
soprano and alto parts, beat 1 is slur to beat 3. In the tenor part, the notes are slurred
alto part, beat 1 is printed as D
basset horn II and violin II, starting four eighth notes are slurred. Violin I, first two eighth notes are slurred and also beat 3 is slurred to beat 4. Alto part, beat 1 and 2, and tenor beat 2 are slurred
notes in these three parts are not slurred
beat 3 is tie over to beat 1 of next measure. Beat 1 should not be slurred to beat 2 in m. 56
no slur
no slur
no slur between beat 1 and 3 and in the tenor part, the notes are not slurred
beat 1 should be a B-flat
41
Movement Measure
III. Domine 64 Jesu
Hostias 29
75
Figure 4. Continued.
Errors in the first
alto part, dotted eighth note in beat 1 is E-flat
bass part, the three notes in this measure are pitched as D
alto part, dotted eighth note in beat 1 is E-flat
Correction
dotted eighth note in beat 1 should be a E-natural
they should be D-flat
dotted eighth note in beat 1 should be a E-natural
42
Figure 5. Errors in the First Edition of Mozart's Requiem as compared to Siissmayr's version of the Requiem-
Movement Measure Errors in the first edition Correction
II. Dies irae 24
Tuba 1 mirum
timpani, the note is printed the note should be as G a C
meter: C meter: <£
Rex 17 tremendae
viola, the dotted sixteenth note in beat 1 is printed as E-flat
the dotted sixteenth note should be a E-natural
Recordare 10 to 11 violin II, second half of beat 2 is slur over to beat 1 of next measure
second half of beat 2 is slur over to beat 2 of next measure
8 to 10
12
121
120 to 121
viola, beat 1 of each of these measures is slurred
double bass, last two beats are two quarter notes
basset horn I and II, beat 2 is not slurred to beat 3
bassoon I, slurs are used in these two measures
beat 1 of each of these measures is not slurred
last two beats are a dotted quarter followed by an eighth note
beat 2 should be slurred to beat 3
should not have slur
120 violin II, all the notes are not slurred
the notes should be slurred
43
Movement Measure
III. Domine 46 Jesu
56 to 60
Hostias 57
Figure 5. Continued.
Errors in the first edition Correction
viola, last half beat is a E-flat
viola, the notes C-C, D-D E-E, C-C, Gft-Gft are tie
viola, last half beat is a E-flat
last half beat should be a E-natural
these notes should not be tie
last half beat should be a E-natural
67 to 71
IV. Benedictus 43
46
viola, the notes C-C, D-D E-E, C-C, G#-Gft are tie
violin II, beat 1 consists of four sixteenth notes
violin I and soprano part, the grace note (D) is used
these notes should not be tie
beat 1 should consist of only two eighth notes
there should not be a grace note on the
in the second half of beat 2 second half of beat 2
V. Agnus 26 Dei
71
tenor part, beat 2 is a B-flat beat 2 should be a B-natural
soprano part, the word under the first two beats of the measure is printed as "requiem"
it should read "Domine" instead of "requiem"
CHAPTER III
CONCERNING D MINOR AS THE CHOICE OF KEY FOR
BOTH REQUIEMS
In Chapter II, the issues concerning the completion and authenticity of Mozart's
Requiem were discussed. In addition, the chapter also speculates that the first edition of
Mozart's Requiem published by Breitkopf and Hartel in 1800 was possibly the edition
Cherubini knew in 1804. A comparison of this edition with Mozart's autograph and
Siissmayr's version of the Requiem confirms that there are no significant differences
between the three sources, thus justifying the use of this source in this chapter as well as in
Chapters IV and V.
In Chapter III, we will examine the choice key of D minor for both Requiems.
This chapter serves as a transition to Chapter IV where a comparison of the layout of both
Requiems will be presented. But before we can talk about why Mozart and Cherubini
chose the key of D minor for their Requiems, a historical background of the "Dies irae"
Sequence is useful. Therefore, the first section of this chapter deals with the origin of the
"Dies irae" Sequence, while the second section will focus on the poetic and musical
structures of the Sequence. The final section will focus on why Mozart and Cherubini
chose the key of D minor for their Requiems, arguing that the reasons they chose D minor
are because it is related to the mode of the Sequence and also to the choice of
44
45
instrumentation. In addition, it will also discuss how both composers treat the key of D
minor in their Requiems.
The Origin of the "Dies irae" Sequence
Although the issue of authorship regarding the "Dies irae" Sequence has long been
disputed, many scholars believe Thomas of Celano to be the original author.77 While the
date cannot be certain, Thomas of Celano probably wrote the "Dies irae" Sequence during
the latter half of the twelfth century.78 The text, however, did not immediately become
part of the Requiem Mass despite its obvious suitability for that purpose. In fact, Alec
Robertson points out that "the first liturgical use of the "Dies irae" Sequence was
[probably] for the first Sunday in Advent."79
While there is evidence that the "Dies irae" Sequence existed as part of the
Requiem Mass as early as c. 1244,80 its status in the Requiem Mass remained ambivalent
for at least another three hundred years. It was not until 1570 that Pope Pius V officially
recognized the "Dies irae" Sequence as part of the Requiem Mass. His decision came only
after the meeting of the Council of Trent (1545-63). The Council, confronted with; a
77 Dictionary of Hymnology (New York: Dover Pub., 1957), s.v. "Dies Irae" bv
John Julian, 295-96.
Robin Gregory, "Dies Irae," Music and Letters 34, no. 2 (April 1953): 133.
9Alec Robertson, Requiem: Music of Mourning and Consola tion (New York" Praeger, 1967), 16.
80A Requiem Mass containing the "Dies irae" Sequence is found in the manuscript rrnssal (labeled f. 263V-264r) from the Convento San Damiano at Assis. A facsimile copy of this Requiem Mass can be found in Kees Vellekoop,"Dies Ire Dies Ilia" (Ph D diss Utrecht: Creyghton-Bilthoven, 1978), 22-25.
46
profusion of Sequences, voted to abolish all except four: "Dies irae," "Lauda Sion
Salvatorem," "Veni sancte Spiritus," and "Victimae Paschali laudes."81
The "Dies irae" poem was inspired by several liturgical sources. The second verse
of the Responsorium "Libera me, Domine, de morte aeterna" sung in the Absolution82 is
believed to be the main inspiration for the "Dies irae" poem.83 Not only did the opening
verse of the "Dies irae" poem start the same way as the second verse of the Responsorium
"Libera me," but both also carry the same message: that God will eventually come to
"judge the world by fire" ("dum veneris judicare saeculum per ignem" and "Solvet
saeclum in favilla"). See Figure 6.
Figure 6. The Opening Verse of the "Dies irae" poem and the Second Verse of the Responsorium "Libera me".
"Dies irae" poem Dies irae, dies ilia Solvet saeclum in favilla-Teste David cum Sibylla.
Responsorium "Libera me" ~ same as — Dies ilia, dies irae,
calamitatis et miseriae, dies magna et amara valde: dum veneris iudicare saeculum per ignem
8l"Stabat Mater" was not admitted until 1727. See Robertson, 19.
. u " ^ Absolution is a ritual performed during the burial service. It is not considered to be part of the Requiem Mass. Ibid., 23.
83 Ibid., 15.
47
Other portions of the "Dies irae" poem were inspired by passages from both the Old and
the New Testaments (see Figure 7).84
Poetic Structure
The "Dies irae" poem consists of seventeen verses of three lines each, a four-line
verse ("Lacrimosa dies ilia), and the non-rhyming prayer "Pie Jesu " The first seventeen
verses are constructed in such a way that the second and third lines of each three-line
verse always rhyme with the first. The four-line verse ("Lacrimosa dies ilia") has a
different rhyme scheme, where only the second line rhymes with the first, and the fourth
line rhymes with the third (see Figure 8).85
Figure 7. Verses 2-19 of the "Dies irae" poem as inspired by passages from the Bible.
Verses 2-19 2. Quantus tremor est futurus,
Quando judex est venturus, Cuncta stricte discussurus!
3. Tuba mirum spargens sonum, Per sepulcra regionum, Coget omnes ante thronum.
4. Mors stupebit, et natura, Cum resurget creatura, Judicanti responsura.
Biblical Passages Luke 21: 26, Matthew 12: 36, and Revelation 20: 13
Zephaniah 1: 16,1 Corinthians 15: 51-52, Matthew 24: 31, and Revelation 20: 11, 13
I Corinthians 15: 54-55, and Psalms 96: 11
8 4 R o n Jeffers, Translations and Annotations of Choral RepPrtn,>P (Oregon Cascade Printing Co., 1988), 75-77. '
The English translation of the "Dies irae" poem is taken from Ibid., 67-70.
48
5. Liber scriptus proferetur, In quo totum continetur, Unde mundus judicetur.
6. Judex ergo cum sedebit, Quidquid latet, apparebit; Nil inultum remanebit.
7. Quid sum miser tunc dicturus? Quem patronum rogaturus, Cum vix justus sit securus?
8. Rex tremendae majestatis, Qui salvandos salvas gratis, Salve me, fons pietatis.
9. Recordare, Jesu pie, Quod sum causa tuae, viae: Ne me perdas ilia die.
10. Quaerens me sedisti lassus, Redemisti Crucem passus: Tantus labor non sit cassus.
11. Juste judex ultionis, Donum fac remissionis, Ante diem rationis.
12. Ingemisco, tamquam reus: Culpa rubet vultus meus: Supplicanti parce, Deus.
13. Qui Mariam absolvisti, Et latronem exaudisti, Mihi quoque spem dedisti.
14. Preces meae non sunt dignae; Sed tu bonus fac benigne, Ne perenni cremer igne.
Figure 7. Continued.
Revelation 20: 12-13
II Peter 2: 4-5
I Peter 4: 18
Luke 21: 27-28
Romans 3: 22-25
Romans 3: 22-25
Deuteronomy 32: 35, and Nahum 1:
Romans 8: 22-23
Luke 8: 1-3, and Luke 23: 39-43
Matthew 25: 41
49
Figure 7. Continued.
15. Inter oves locum praesta, Et ab haedis me sequestra, Statuens in parte dextra.
Matthew 25: 32-33
16. Confutatis maledictis, Flammis acribus addictis, Voca me cum benedictis.
Matthew 25: 41
17. Oro supplex et acclinis, Cor contritum quasi cinis: Gere curam mei finis.
Psalms 51:17
18. Lacrimosa dies ilia, Qua resurget ex favilla, Judicandus homo reus. Huic ergo, parce, Deus.
II Peter 3: 10-15
19. Pie Jesu Domine, dona eis requiem. Amen.
Isaiah 58: 11, and Philippians 4:7
50
Figure 8. The "Dies irae" poem.
English Translation
1. Dies irae. dies ilia. Solvet saeclum in favilla: Teste David cum Sibylla.
2. Quantus tremor est futurus. Quando judex est venturus. Cuncta stricte discussurus!
3. Tuba mirum spargens sonum. Per sepulcra regionum, Coget omnes ante thronum.
4. Mors stupebit, et natura. Cum resurget creatura. Judicanti responsura.
5. Liber scriptus proferetur. In quo totum continetur. Unde mundus judicetur.
6. Judex ergo cum sedebit. Quidquid latet, apparebit; Nil inultum remanebit.
7. Quid sum miser tunc dicturus? Quem patronum rogaturus, Cum vix justus sit securus?
8. Rex tremendae maiestatis. Qui salvandos salvas gratis. Salve me, fons pietatis.
9. Recordare, Jesu pie, Quod sum causa tuae, viae: Ne me perdas ilia die.
Day of wrath, that day shall dissolve the world into embers, as David prophesied with the Sibyl.
How great the trembling will be, when the Judge shall come, the rigorous investigator of all things!
The trumpet, spreading its wondrous sound through the tombs of every land, will summon all before the throne.
Death will be stunned, likewise nature, when all creation shall rise again to answer the One judging.
A written book will be brought forth, in which all shall be contained, and from which the world shall be judged.
When therefore the Judge is seated, whatever lies hidden shall be revealed, no wrong shall remain unpunished.
What then am I, a poor wretch, going to say? Which protector shall I ask for, when even the just are scarcely secure?
King of terrifying majesty, who freely saves the saved: Save me, fount of pity.
Remember, merciful Jesus, that I am the cause of your sojourn; do not cast me out on that day.
51
Figure 8. Continued.
10. Quaerens me sedisti lassus. Redemisti Crucem passus: Tantus labor non sit cassus.
11. Juste judex ultionis. Donum fac remissionis. Ante diem rationis.
12. Ingemisco, tamquam reus: Culpa rubet vultus meus: Supplicanti parce, Deus.
13. Qui Mariam absolvisti. Et latronem exaudisti. Mihi quoque spem dedisti.
14. Preces meae non sunt dignae; Sed tu bonus fac benigne. Ne perenni cremer igne.
15. Inter oves locum praesta. Et ab haedis me sequestra. Statuens in parte dextra.
16. Confutatis maledictis. Flammis acribus addictis. Voca me cum benedictis.
17. Oro supplex et acclinis. Cor contritum quasi cinis: Gere curam mei finis.
18. Lacrimosa dies ilia. Qua resurget ex favilla. Judicandus homo reus. Huic ergo, parce, Deus.
19. Pie Jesu Domine, dona eis requiem. Amen.
Seeking me, you sat down weary; having suffered the Cross, you redeemed me. May such great labor not be in vain.
Just Judge of vengeance, grant the gift of remission before the day of reckoning.
I groan, like one who is guilty; my face blushes with guilt. Spare thy supplicant, O God.
You who absolved Mary [Magdalene], and heeded the thief, have also given hope to me.
My prayers are not worthy, but Thou, good one, kindly grant that I not burn in the everlasting fires.
Grant me a favored place among thy sheep, and separate me from the goats, placing me at thy right hand.
When the accursed are confounded, consigned to the fierce flames: call me to be with the blessed.
I pray, supplicant and kneeling, my heart contrite as if it were ashes: protect me in my final hour.
O how tearful that day, on which the guilty shall rise from the embers to be judged. Spare them then, 0 God.
Merciful Lord Jesus, Grant them rest. Amen.
5 2
Musical Structure
The "Dies irae" Sequence is in the Dorian mode but with an extended ambitus that
starts from A to D1 (see Example 3). The "Dies irae" Sequence consists of three major
melodic phrases. Each melodic phrase is immediately repeated covering verses 1-2, 3-4,
and 5-6. The same pattern is then repeated from verse 7 to the end, with the exception of
verses 18 and 19 which have new melodic material. Thus, the overall melodic pattern of
the "Dies irae" Sequence may be expressed as ||: AABBCC :|| AABBCDE (See Example 3)"
The Choice of D Minor in Mozart's Requiem
There are not many of Mozart's works written in the key of D minor, and those
that are often display an extraordinarily powerful emotional connotation. Among his
works in the key of D minor are the string quartets K. 173 (1773) and K. 421 (1785), the
piano concerto K. 466 (1785), the closing chorus in Act II ofldomeneo. the Queen of the
Night's Act II aria "Der Holle Rache" in The Magic Flute, the slow introduction to the
overture of Don Giovanni, the entrance of the Commendatore's statue in the finale of Act
II, and finally, his unfinished Requiem. Regarding Mozart's D minor works, Wolff states
that "whether there is a text [as in his operas or his Requiem] or the expression is purely
instrumental [as in his string quartets or the piano concerto], it is the "pathetic," indeed
demonic qualities of the key [D minor] that Mozart brings out. . .",86 In Mozart's operas,
86Wolff, 97.
53
Example 3. The "Dies irae" Sequence. 87
.y I. Vi -ca 7r oc, A cs llr
£ • fiuav+ui fOi <U*/ fiuflrtio J* - iti" <M* W+arvi/ tun<*A SlKfiiti
J . Tvub« «"»-w &V*"
«• rwfu-fu I Ow rtst»2*t CRra-fam, JtS-on— «•*«*«»
—it Jfc'l Whim S • Xucfcx tr$° £^r bit, $P«*b*-
WSc'ht-<l'4?!3i^«Pa+~03~ "^s" mj*-**"**? Cm 4* jut*** ** *SJrt<s-
:> „ , ^ r g 5 t l" y 1^- A t . Salvo"" p-*
V R t c a r i a - 1
J J 1 " f » "» 1 nAUC; "Rm«M U« (O'.&MOM*, 3C- «K- *« l« s"» '• ««<*•«"!
||- J«HC ju<fev q" -- <'DO-<W<4C PLn»«si- " ft" '
IT Trzir-i-K*', fcll-r £fa£ wHvnr***J~~: ^
finelci<lvGal(Lj
t d e ^ t u t d
" to
VeAses ,
87 Liber usualis (Paris: Desclee & Socii, 1964), 1810-1813.
54
Example 3. Continued.
1 1 1 j ' . ' M M ' j h ttf- PrecK ** b ° - «u* btAij*, Kit ftflcnm*1 atrMT^nC
I ! • ( f, [ D f , u I v J j i m ^ M i B ^ g .C' , u' IS~. In4<r a-v«S lo— <f* &ftjBr&hcethxiitStyairVj%*b'~~ iij*--^«r*<iartr*
iy<: WWJn TJAVmw- Ufam AC
> ' t »* •• >.»' j . > > It 6 r ^ 4 - t t » — m a — Iftd'C+ia ; F U ^ ' 4 ^ n ^ < u u i ^ J vbca ««
4 J ' f - ] ' ' ( j U J J J M V J M M j W g S * 17- 0*<"o -#*fftec ^ •ccfii-nir, Cb 4afniW*tu*<f*$i <*•«<$—J tot
^ J / , £ J'J'J j ^ l J ' J ' J ^ f J j / j i ' J ' j I I ^ J ts(j[[ J j r f j ' l 18 Loeri to—54 Aui&arjtt oT~~" vi*IVa SImiowJI* tto—•» <eieJ
' • J - ' T ' J l t N K«fc C38 porsr- -ce'Vtus
h i ' j . J ii X E U j . refute* v 1
M« Pie Jciu temiOCj dora «- nt<{u*««
55
D minor is associated with the idea of vengeance, as may be seen in the Queen of the
Night's Act II "rage" aria in the The Magic Flute and in the finale of Act II of Don
Giovanni, in which Don Giovanni refuses to repent for his sins and is ultimately carried off
by the statue into the flames of hell. In Mozart's Requiem, a similar association of D
minor with the idea of vengeance can be seen in the text of the "Dies irae", which
prophesies the Day of Judgment, when God will take his revenge on sinners by casting
them into the flames of hell (verse 16 of the "Dies irae" text reads "When the accused are
confounded, consigned to the fierce flame [of hell], . .").
There is no doubt that Mozart had a wide range of keys to choose from for his
Requiem. But why, we may ask, did Mozart choose the key of D minor for his Requiem?
One possible explanation may be that he believed the key of D minor to be related to the
Dorian mode of the "Dies irae" plainchant, even though he never used the plainchant in his
Requiem.88
In Example 3 (verse 18), the presence of B-flat at the word "Lacrimosa" may be
explained by the old familiar convention in medieval theory — "Una nota super la semper
est canendum fa" (one note beyond la should be sung fa). As a result, in verse 18, the
notes printed are, A-B-flat-A (la-fa-la), instead of A-B-A. Since B-flat was included in the
gamut, it, therefore, belonged to musica recta (i.e. right or true music) rather than musica
ficta (i.e. the performers' application of accidentals not indicated in the manuscript).89
88 Ibid., 96.
' 9 D o n R a n d e 1 ' e d - The New Harvard Dictionary of Mi isir m h r i y assachusetts: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1986), s.v. "Musica ficta "
56
According to Jean de Muris, a fourteenth-century French theorist, the middle note
of the melodic group, D-C-D, should always be raised a semitone.90 Thus, in verse 19, the
performer is expected to add a C-sharp as part of musica ficta (although not specified in
the manuscript) on the last "Amen" (see Example 4). The same applies to . . dus judi
" (verse 5) , . turn reman. . ." (verse 6), ". . . em rati. . ." (verse 11), . . ti parce"
(verse 12), and . . . ram mei" (verse 17) of the Sequence.
Example 4. The "Dies irae" Sequence, verse 19, the last "Amen."91
? m e n
Thus, with the inclusion of B-flat and C-sharp, the "Dies irae" chant clearly is
related to D minor, the key of Mozart's Requiem
The fact that D minor is the main key for the Requiem has provided Mozart an
opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of D-related keys in the work. Figure 9 shows the
overall tonal design of the Requiem. The Requiem is dominated by three large D-r -minor
by Bettie Jean Harden, 517.
(1972) g ^ a r g a r e t B e n t ' " M u s i c a R e c t a and Music Ficta," Musica Discipline n o . 26
91 Liber usual is 1813.
57
sections: Requiem-Kyrie, Sequence, and Agnus Dei-Communion ("lux aeterna"). The two
sections that are not in D minor, the Offertory ("Domine Jesu") and Sanctus, serve to
extend the tonal spectrum of the work. G minor, which has already appeared in the
Sequence ("Rex tremendae") , is used to start the Offertory, which, in turn, enables
Mozart to modulate to the submediant, E-flat major in "Hostias," a remote key in relation
to D minor. D major, which is related to D minor as the parallel major, is tonic serves as
the starting key for Sanctus. The key of D major has already been foreshadowed in the
Offertory, where the "Domine Jesu" and "Hostias" ended on a half cadence on the
dominant D before the start of the "Quam olim" fugues. The Sanctus modulates from D
major to the submediant (or flat. VI; B-flat major) in the Benedictus before a final return to
D minor in the Agnus Dei.92
92Wolff, 98-99.
58
Figure 9. The Overall Tonal Design of Mozart's Requiem. 93
1. Requiem Kyrie (fugue)
2. Sequence: Dies irae Tuba mirum Rex tremendae Recordare Confiitatis Lacrimosa
3. Offertory: Domine Jesu Quam olim (fugue) Hostias Quam olim (fugue)
4. Sanctus Osanna (fugato) Benedictus Osanna (fugato)
5. Agnus Dei Lux aeterna Cum sanctis (fugue)
D minor D minor
V of D minor i —• [V]
D minor B-flat major G minor —• D minor F major A minor —> F major D minor
G minor —• V of G minor G minor E-flat major —» V of G minor G minor
D major D major B-flat major B-flat major
l VI iv -III v — i
III
i-V-i-VI-V-i
iv
I I •bVI bVI/I = Vl/i [V] implied
D minor —• V of B-flat major i —• VAT B-flat major —• V of D minor VI —» V/i D minor i
93 Data from Wolff, table 6.
59
Besides the mode of the "Dies irae" chant, the choice of instrumentation may also
have influenced Mozart's choice of the key of D minor for his Requiem. Mozart uses two
natural trumpets in D in his Requiem.
Although there were other kinds of natural trumpets available in the seventeenth
and eighteenth centuries, the "standard" natural trumpets used in the orchestra were those
pitched in D.94 Mozart, perhaps, had chosen the tonality of D to facilitate the use of this
instrument in his Requiem. The natural trumpet in D had no valves. In order to produce
the various pitches, the trumpet player had to overblow the harmonic series. Example 5
shows the harmonic series of this valveless instrument.95
Example 5. The harmonic series of the natural trumpet in D:
Rar-fol; I. % 4 c t 7 fl q 10 « if tb 17 ^
ftp ftp f j
Trumpets in C, E-flat, and F were also used in the seventeenth and eighteenth ^ " t U n e S S e e P h l l i p B a t e ' The Trumpet and Trombone (New York: Norton & Co., Inc., Iy 107.
i m n F o r a e s t h e t i c reasons, the first and second partials were abandoned since the early 1700s. Seeibid., 106.
60
The eighth to the eighteenth partials are known as the clarino range of the trumpet in D.
When composing for the trumpet in D, Baroque composers, especially Bach and Handel,
exploited the clarino range for its brilliant quality.96
However, with the change of musical style in the Classical period, composers
preferred a different style of trumpet writing. Adler points out that:
. . . with the rise of the homophonic style in the early eighteenth-century, the intricate, showy clarino playing virtually disappeared. In order to perform a diatonic melody required by the new style of the eighteenth-century, the trumpet would have to be written in the highest register (the clarino register) and therefore sound extremely piercing and obtrusive. To prevent this unbalance, composers [of the eighteenth century] relegated the trumpet to a purely secondary role holding long tonic or dominant pedal notes, or playing in chordal passages during tutti sections. This practice continued into the nineteenth-century, until the advent of the valve trumpet.97 .
Thus, Mozart utilized two trumpets in D in his Requiem merely as accompanying
instruments, playing primarily the tonic and dominant of the D minor scale (see Example
6). Since trumpets in D are transposing instruments, the written pitches in Example 6
should sound a major second higher.
96 Ibid.
97SamueI Adler, The Study of Orchestration 2nd ed. (New York" Norton & Co Inc., 1989), 297.
61
Example 6. Mozart, Requiem. Introit, measures 13-15. 98
' X.'- .f7'r-1^-
i 1 £ 1 ^ i A
J J i - i I m
mi &C4*rU§
ft w*. F"«r md&SArtn
m • *, mmr*. * mdXte**"*
98 Mozart, 8-9
62
It is important to point out that, while the "Dies irae" movement of Cherubini's
final Requiem called for the use of two trumpets in D, they were, technically, not the same
trumpet in D used in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In the early 1800s,
trumpets pitched in F replaced the earlier trumpets in D as the "standard" instruments of
the orchestra. The trumpets in F "were regularly supplied with a set of crooks" which
gave the keys of E, Eb, and C, and by combination [of crooks] B b and A."100 Thus, the
two trumpets in D scored for the "Dies irae" movement of Cherubini's final Requiem
(1836) were, in reality, not the "real" natural trumpet pitched in D, but two trumpets in F
with D crooks inserted in them.
The Choice of D Minor in Cherubini's Second Requiem
Why did Cherubini choose the key of D minor for his Requiem? The first possible
reason may be that Mozart's Requiem was his primary influence, which led him to choose
the key of D minor for his own Requiem. The second possible reason was that, Cherubini,
like Mozart, had chosen the key of D minor because it was related to the Dorian mode of
the Dies irae" plainchant, even though the plainchant is never heard in either Requiem.
Nevertheless, the fact that D minor is the main key for Cherubini's second Requiem has
provided him an opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of D-related keys in the work.
Crooks are U-shaped pipes inserted into the natural trumpet to produce other harmonic series on the same instrument.
100i Bate, 107.
63
Figure 10 shows the overall tonal design of Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor. The
Requiem is dominated by three large D minor movements: Introit-Kyrie, Sequence, and
Agnus Dei-Communion ("lux aeterna"). These three movements are also in the key of D
minor in Mozart's Requiem. Both the Introit-Kyrie and Agnus Dei-Communion
movements modulate to B-flat major before returning to D minor. The four movements
that are not in D minor include the Gradual, the Offertory ("Domine Jesu"), the Sanctus,
and the Pie Jesu; these movements serve to expand the tonal spectrum of the work. The
key of G minor, which has already appeared in the Sequence ("Recordare"), serves as the
starting key for the Pie Jesu movement, which in turn, allows a shift to the major mode (G
major) at the end. The key for the Sanctus, B-flat major, is already foreshadowed in the
"Kyrie" section of the Introit. The key of F major, which is the relative major of D minor,
serves as the primary tonal center of the Offertory movement. The tonal relation between
the Introit and Gradual, and the Pie Jesu and Agnus Dei movements, is exactly a fifth
apart: D minor (Introit) and A minor (Gradual); G minor (Pie Jesu) and D minor (Agnus
Dei).
64
Figure 10. The Overall Tonal Design of Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor.
1. Introit Kyrie
2. Gradual
3. Sequence: Dies irae Rex tremendae Recordare Confutatis Oro supplex Lacrymosa
4. Offertory: Domine Jesu Quam olim (fugato) Hostias
Quam olim (fugato)
5. Sanctus
6. Pie Jesu
7. Agnus Dei Communion : Lux aeterna
D minor —»B-flat major B-flat major —»D minor
A minor
D minor —* V of D major D major -* G minor G minor —• V of E minor A minor A minor —* D minor D minor
F major -F major -D minor F.major
V of F major " V of D minor
• V of F major
B-flat major
G minor —• G major
D minor B-flat major —* D minor
i —• VI VI ->i
i -»V/I I * iv iv -> V/ii v v —»i i
I-V-I-V/vi-vi-V/I-I III
IV/III = VI
iv —* IV [V] implied i VI -> i
65
The choice of instrumentation may also have affected Cherubini's choice of the key
of D minor for his final Requiem. As mentioned above, while Cherubini scored for two
trumpets in D in his final Requiem, they were in reality, not the "real" natural trumpet
pitched in D, but two trumpets in F with D crooks inserted in them. Therefore, the reason
he chose the key of D minor for his final Requiem could not be because of his use of
trumpets, but rather of the flute. Cherubini scored for the flute in his final Requiem. The
flute is a versatile instrument capable of playing in all keys, major or minor. However,
Berlioz believed that the flute produced an unusual tone quality when played in the key of
D minor:
It should seem then that the flute is an instrument well-nigh devoid of expression, but which may be introduced anywhere and everywhere, on account of its facility in executing group of rapid notes, and in sustaining high sounds useful in the orchestra for adding fullness to the upper harmonies. Generally speaking, this is true; nevertheless, on studying the instrument carefully, there may be discovered an expression peculiar to it, and an aptitude for rendering certain sentiments, in which no other instrument can compete with it. If, for instance, it were requisite to give a sad air an accent of desolation, but of humility and resignation at the same time, the feeble sounds of the flute's medium [register], in the keys of C minor and D minor especially, would certainly produce the desired effect.101
Cherubini was well aware of the unique tone quality of the flute when played in the
key of D minor. As mentioned above, the sombre tone quality "of the flute's medium
[register] when played in the key of D minor is, unquestionably, fitting to the solemn
character of a Requiem, as exemplified in the Agnus Dei movement of Cherubini's final
Requiem (see Example 7).
101Hector Berlioz, A Treatise on Modern Instrumentation and Orchestration trans. Mary Cowden Clarke, ed. Joseph Bennett (London: Novello, Ewer and Co., 1882), 117.
66
Example 7. Cherubini, Requiem in D minor. Agnus Dei, measures 1-9. 102
fttaio (Turf*.
rUoto pioooio.
Obcu.
Conu in D.
Tbsptai iaOJL
TVeiioo I.
TMUJ30 U.
Len co
tWaor* 1L
l02Luigi Cherubini, Requiem in D minor (New York: Edwin F. Kalmus, [n.d.]), 83.
67
To summarize, the author of the "Dies irae" Sequence is probably Thomas of
Celano. Even though the Sequence was used as part of the Requiem Mass as early as the
thirteenth century, it was not officially recognized until the sixteenth century. It is
possible that Mozart and Cherubini chose the key of D minor for their Requiems because
they believed the key (D minor) was related to the Dorian mode of the Sequence. In
addition their choice of key for their Requiems may also have been affected by their choice
of instrumentation.
In the previous chapters, we speculate that Cherubini modeled his Requiem in D
Minor on Mozart's Requiem because he wanted to pay homage to the composer (Chapter
I). We also talked about the edition of Mozart's Requiem Cherubini possibly knew in
1804, which is the first full score edition published by Breitkopf and Hartel in 1800. This
edition of the Mozart's Requiem will be the musical source for this thesis (Chapter II). In
addition, we also talk about the reasons as to why Cherubini and Mozart might have
chosen the key of D minor for their Requiems. The reasons for their choice of key
(D minor) may be because it is related to the Dorian mode of the Sequence and also to the
choice of instrumentation. In Part II of this thesis, we will examine the two Requiems by
first comparing the layout of the two works (excluding the Sequences) in Chapter IV.
The final chapter will be devoted to a comparative analysis of the two Sequences. The
reason for delaying the discussion of the two Sequences is because unlike the other
movements, these two movements demonstrate the most similarities, both tonally as well
as motivically.
CHAPTER IV
A COMPARISON OF THE LAYOUT OF MOZART'S REQUIEM AND CHERUBINI'S
REQUIEM IN D MINOR
The purpose of this chapter is to show possible connections between Mozart's
Requiem and Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor by comparing the overall structure of both
works (except the Sequences). Connections are limited and are not always obvious. In
addition, the chapter will also discuss how the movements of each Requiem are related to
its Sequence. Since the two Requiems are structured differently, the first section of this
chapter will be devoted to a comparative analysis of those movements that are common in
both works. However, the comparative analysis portion will be preceded by a brief
discussion of the structures, singers, and instrumentations in both works. The second
section will deal with movements that only appear in Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor. A
comparative analysis of the two Sequences (Mozart's and Cherubini's) will be presented in
the next chapter.
A Comparative Analysis of Similar Movements in both Requiems
The liturgical order of the Requiem Mass was not standardized until after the
meeting of the Council of Trent in 1545-1563 and the final sanction by Pope Pius V in
1570. The portions of the sanctioned Requiem Mass include the Introit, Kyrie, Gradual,
68
69
Tract, Sequence, Offertory, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and Communion.103 However,
composers do not always strictly adhere to the prescribed order of the Requiem Mass.
They sometimes take liberties by adding or deleting portions of the text to reflect upon the
practices of their times. Mozart's Requiem is divided into five major movements:
(1) Introit-Kyrie, (2) Sequence ["Dies irae"], (3) Offertory ["Domine Jesu"], (4) Sanctus,
and (5) Agnus Dei-Communion. The Gradual and Tract are omitted from his Requiem.
His setting "clearly [reflects] the normal practice in Salzburg and Vienna" during the
eighteenth century.104
Cherubini, on the other hand, divided his Requiem in D Minor into seven
movements: (1) Introit-Kyrie, (2) Gradual, (3) Sequence ["Dies irae"], (4) Offertory
["Domine Jesu"], (5) Sanctus, (6) Pie Jesu, and (7) Agnus Dei-Communion. He omits the
Tract, "Absolve, Domine" but adds "Pie Jesu" after the Sanctus.105
The vocal parts in Mozart's Requiem are divided into tuttis and solos, with most of
the movements written for the former (or chorus). Only three movements are sung
entirely by the soloists. In the "Tuba mirum" movement, they perform one after the other,
and in the "Recordare" and Benedictus movements, the voices combine in a quartet.
During the eighteenth century in Vienna, the soprano and alto parts in church music were
103Randel, s.v. "Requiem," by Richard Sherr, 695.
104Wolff 70.
105The "Pie Jesu" text actually comes from the last stanza of the Sequence. Other composers who included the "Pie Jesu" in their Requiem settings were Faure and Durufle.
70
sung by choir boys. This was because women, generally, were not allowed to participate
in church choirs. And even though some churches may have allowed women in their
choirs, they represented the exception rather than the rule.106 Thus, the early
performances of Mozart's Requiem in Viennese churches in the eighteenth century were
probably sung entirely by choir boys.107 Figure 11 shows an overview of the layout of
Mozart's Requiem.
Unlike Mozart's setting, soloists are not featured in Cherubini's Requiem in D
Minor. In addition, the vocal parts are scored for male voices only, first and second
tenors, and basses. As mentioned in Chapter I, the Requiem in D Minor was composed
for male voices and it has been conjectured that Cherubini omitted female voices because
the Archbishop of Paris had objected to the performance of his Requiem in C Mnor at the
funeral of Boieldieu because it included female voices. Cherubini had intended his
Requiem in D Minor to be performed at his funeral. Figure 12 shows an overview of the
layout of Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor.
10 6T Elwyn A. Wienandt, Choral Music of the Church (New York" The Free Press
1965), 16-19. '
However, women were allowed to participate in church music performed i concert halls.
71
Figure 11. An Overview of the Layout of Mozart's Requiem. In the tonality column, capital letters stand for major keys and small letters stand for minor keys.108
Movement Meter & Tempo No. of mm. Tonality Sections composed/drafted by Mozart.
Fueal Tutti/Solo
1. Requiem C Adagio 48 d -» V o f d T-S-T Kyrie C Allegro 52 d X T
2. Dies irae C Allegro assai 68 d T Tuba mirum $ Andante 62 Bb S Rex tremendae C 22 g~* d T Recordare 3/4 130 F S Confutatis C Andante 40 a —»F T Lacrymosa 12/8 8[+ 22]* d T
3. DomineJesu C Andante con moto* 43 g -* V of g T-S Quam olim C 35 g X T Hostias 3/4 Andante* 54 Eb - » V ofg T Quam olim C 35 g X T
Sections composed by Sussmayr:
4. Sanctus C Adagio 11 D T Osanna 3/4 Allegro 27 D X T Benedictus C Andante 53 Bb S Osanna 3/4 Allegro 23 Bb X T
5. Agnus Dei 3/4 51 d -» V of B b T
Recall of sections composed by Mozart:
Lux aeterna** C Adagio 30 Bb - • V o f d S-T Cum sanctis*** C Allegro 52 d X T
*By Sussmayr **Repeats music from the Introit (mm. 19-48)
***Repeats the Kyrie fugue in full
108 'Data from Wolff, table 4.
72
Figure 12. An Overview of the Layout of Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor. In the tonality column, capital letters stand for major keys and small letters
stand for minor keys.
Movement Meter & Tempo No. of mm. Tonalitv
1. Introit-Kyrie 3/4 Un poco Lento 177 d
2. Gradual C Lento 47 a
3. Dies irae C Vivo 125 d -» V of D Rex tremendae C Maestoso 19 D->g Recordare 3/4 Andantino 47 g —> V of e Confutatis 3/4 Presto 34 a Oro supplex 3/4 Andantino 20 a —»d Lacrymosa C Grave, ma non 61 d
troppo Lento
4. Domine Jesu C Andante con moto 59 F —» V ofF Quam olim C Allegro moderato 11 F-> Vofd Hostias 3/4 Larghetto 51 d -> V of F Quam olim (f Allegro piu vivo 75 F
che la prima volta
5. Sanctus C Maestoso 40 B b
6. Pie Jesu 6/8 Adagio 67 g ^ G
7. Agnus Dei- 3/4 Lento 144 d
Fugal
X
X
Communion
73
The instruments in Mozart's Requiem serve at least four major functions in the
work: (1) to double the vocal parts (for example, the use of three trombones at the
beginning of the Introit); (2) to help emphasize particular words in the text (for example,
in the "Dies irae" movement, string tremolos are used to illustrate the words "Quantus
tremor [trembling of men]. . ."); (3) to set the mood for the movement (for example, at
the beginning of "Lacrymosa" movement, the violins introduce a two-note figure known
as the "sigh" motive to reflect upon the mournful nature of the text "O how tearful that
day . . ."); and (4) to anticipate the vocal materials (for example, the trombone solo at the
beginning of the "Tuba mirum" movement or the basset horn duet at the start of the
"Recordare" movement). Since Mozart did not complete the instrumentation in his
Requiem. Friedrich Blume doubted if the instrumentation in the Introit-Kyrie, the only
movement that was fully orchestrated by Mozart, should be uniformly applied, as
Sussmayr did, to the rest of the movements of the Requiem. He questions Sussmayr's
omission of flute, oboe, clarinet, and horn in the Requiem noting that it is "entirely
unMozartean."109 Wolff agrees with Blume regarding the uncertainty of instrumentation
to be used in the Requiem. He raises the question of when the trombones should be
employed to provide colla parte support to the chorus?110 Which movements should
include the trumpets and timpani or should the basset horns play throughout the Requiem?
Wolff disagrees with Blume that the prescribed instrumentation (two basset horns,
109Friedrich Blume, "Requiem But No Peace," in The Creative World of Mnrart ed. by Paul Henry Lang (New York: Norton and Co., 1963), 116-117. '
U0Mozart gave the trombones a partly obbligato role in the Introit.
74
two bassoons, two trumpets, three trombones, timpani, strings, and organ) as shown in the
Introit-Kyrie movement was incomplete. In short, unlike Blume, he does not believe that
Mozart had any intention of expanding the instrumentation by including the flute, oboe,
clarinet, or horn in the ensuing movements after the Introit-Kyrie of the Requiem. Wolff
argues that Mozart's primary concern in the Requiem is in setting out the four-part vocal
writing and that consequently the accompanying instrumental parts play only a secondary
role in the work. In his view, it is unlikely that Mozart would use more instruments than
those specified at the beginning of the Requiem.111 Figure 13 shows the instrumentation
as specified in the original manuscript of Mozart's Requiem.
Figure 13. Instrumentation Specified in the Original Manuscript of Mozart's Requiem. 112
Movement Mozart Sussmavr*
1. Requiem-Kyrie Violin I & II, Viola 2 Basset Horns in F 2 Bassoons, 2 Trumpets in D Timpani, 3 Trombones Organ, Cello, Double Bass
2. Dies irae
Tuba mirum
Violin I & II, Viola 2 Basset Horns in F Organ, Cello, Double Bass 2 Bassoons, 2 Trumpets in D
Timpani, 3 Trombones
Violin I & II, Trombone Solo Viola, 2 Basset Horns in F Organ, Cello, Double Bass 2 Bassoons
mWolff, 36-37.
112Data from ibid., table 5.
75
Figure 13. Continued.
Movement
Rex tremendae
Recordare
Confutatis
Lacrymosa
3. DomineJesu
Hostias
4. Sanctus Benedictus
5. Agnus Dei-Communion
Mozart
Violin I & II, Viola Organ, Cello, Double Bass
Violin I & II, Viola 2 Basset Horns in F Organ, Cello, Double Bass
Violin I & II, Viola 2 Basset Horns in F Organ, Cello, Double Bass
Violin I & II, Viola Organ, Cello, Double Bass
Sussmavr*
2 Basset Horns in F 2 Bassoons, 2 Trumpets in D Timpani, 3 Trombones
2 Bassoons
2 Bassoons, 2 Trumpets in D Timpani, 3 Trombones
2 Basset Horns in F 2 Bassoons, 2 Trumpets in D Timpani, 3 Trombones
Violin I & II , Viola 2 Basset Horns in F Organ, Cello, Double Bass 2 Bassoons, 3 Trombones
Violin I & II, Viola 2 Basset Horns in F Organ, Cello, Double Bass 2 Bassoons, 3 Trombones
Violin I & II, Viola 2 Basset Horns in F 2 Bassoons, 2 Trumpets in D Timpani**, 3 Trombones Organ, Cello, Double Bass
i n T e „ S r <in P a r t > , h e S e q u e " c e ) a n d POSSibl* a - ® " (Offertory)
76
The most striking departure from Mozart's Requiem is that Cherubini used an
expanded orchestra in his Requiem.113 The woodwind section consisted of flute, piccolo,
oboe, clarinet,114 and bassoon. In the brass section, he scored for horn, trumpet, and
trombone. The string section consists of violin, viola, cello, and double bass. The only
percussion instrument used in this work is the timpani. Cherubini, however, did not score
for the organ.115 This expanded orchestration shows Beethoven's influence as exemplified
in his early symphonies (nos. 1-3) which Cherubini had studied and promoted in Paris in
the first quarter of the nineteenth century (see Chapter I).116 Figure 14 shows the
instrumentation in Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor. Despite the expanded orchestration,
the instruments in Cherubini's Requiem function in a manner similar to those in Mozart's
Requiem. Like Mozart, Cherubini's primary concern is in setting out the three-part vocal
writing and consequently the accompanying instrumental parts play only a secondary role
This is in comparison with the edition of Mozart's Requiem which Cherubini possibly knew, the 1800 edition published by Breitkopf and Hartel of Leipzig..
In place of basset horn which is used in Mozart's Requiem.
The reason is because he used the horns and double basses to fulfill harmonic functions that would normally be undertaken by an organ.
" E r ° i c a " S y m P h o n y (1803-04), the instrumentation is very
, ? T S - R e q u f " D M i "" r b u t B t c l u d e s ^ 0 1 ° trombone. According a se the piccolo was often employed in dramatic works (most probably in vocal
C h r b i n i ' S ^ u i e m i " n M i " * qu'alities as one, in e nineteenth centuiy. The trombone was frequently used in choral works but was rarelv
featured in symphonies until the mid-nineteenth century. See Adam Carse The Historv of Orchestration (New York: Dover Pub., 1964), 220 ' —~
77
Figure 14. The Instrumentation in Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor
Movement
1. Introit-Kyrie
2. Gradual
3. Sequence: Dies irae
4. Offertory
5. Sanctus
6. Pie Jesu
2 Horns in D, 2 Bassoons Cello I & II, Double Bass
2 Bassoons, Cello Double Bass
Flute, Piccolo 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in C 2 Bassoons 4 Horns (2 in D and 2 in F) 2 Trumpets in D 3 Trombones Violin I & n, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Timpani
Flute, Piccolo 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in C 2 Bassoons 4 Horns (2 in C and 2 in F) 3 Trombones Violin I & II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Flute, Piccolo 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in B-flat 2 Bassoons 4 Horns (2 in B-flat alto and 2 in F) 2 Trumpets in E-flat 3 Trombones Violin I & II, Viola, Cello I & II, Double Bass, Timpani
2 Clarinets in B-flat Bassoon, Trombone
78
Figure 14. Continued.
7. Agnus Dei- Flute, Piccolo Communion 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in C
2 Bassoons 4 Horns (2 in D and 2 in F) 3 Trombones Violin I & II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Timpani
in his Requiem in D Minor. The instruments serve at least four functions in the work: (1)
to accompany the vocal parts (for example, the use of the strings at the "Recordare"
[Sequence] and the "Hostias" [Offertory]), (2) to help emphasize musically the textual
meaning (for example, in the "Dies irae" movement, string tremolos are used because of
the words "Quantus tremor . . . »), and (3) to set the mood for the movement (for
example, at the beginning of "Lacrymosa" movement, the strings introduce a two-note
figure known as the "sigh" motive to reflect upon the mournful nature of the text "O how
tearful that day . . and (4) to anticipate the vocal materials (for example, at the
beginning of the Offertory, the orchestra introduces the material of the vocal parts before
they enter several measures later).
79
Introit
Mozart s Introit starts with seven measures of orchestral introduction. In measure
8, the voices enter successively two beats apart starting with the bass, then the tenor, alto,
and finally soprano which part introduces the "Requiem" theme.117 The voices are
accompanied by syncopated figures played by the violins. Figure 15 shows the form of
this movement. The "Requiem" theme is also quoted at the end of the "Lacrymosa"
movement (the Sequence) in measures 26-27 of the soprano part (see Chapter V for the
reason concerning this quotation).
The B section begins with the soprano solo singing the psalm verse "Te decet
hymnus." The melody of this verse is modified and used again in the soprano, but with a
different text ("Exaudi orationem") in measure 27. The "Requiem aeternam" text is given
a more elaborate setting, both in the vocal parts and orchestra accompaniment, when it is
brought back in measure 34 (the A' section).
Figure 15. Form of Mozart's Introit.
Introduction A (link) B (link) A' "Requiem" "Te decet" "Requiem"
m m - 1 - 7 _ 8-19 20 21-32 33 34-48 Start: D minor D minor B b major D minor End: D minor Bb major G minor V of D minor!
C (double fugue) "Kyrie"
49-100 D minor D minor
. l a r g e P o r t I o n o f the musical material in the Introit is derived from the o n e n i n e
SeeWolfF, IVTT* ^ d ° m 0 U r n , , ) o f H a n d e l ' s Funeral Anthem HWV 264 (1737).
80
The highlight of this movement is perhaps the setting of the "Kyrie eleison" as a
double fugue.118 This fugue consists of two highly contrasting subjects. The first subject
for the "Kyrie eleison" text moves in quarter and eighth notes, while the second subject,
carrying the Christe eleison" text, is rhythmically more active, moving in eighth and
sixteenth notes.
The exposition is in the key of D minor, with the first subject starting in the bass
and the second subject enters one measure later in the alto. The first subject is answered
by the soprano at measure 52, the alto at measure 56, and the tenor at measure 59. The
second subject always enters one measure later following each answer: at measure 53 in
the tenor, at measure 57 in the bass, and at measure 60 in the soprano. The orchestra is
almost entirely colla parte with the voices being doubled by the woodwinds (basset horns
and bassoons) and the strings. The end of the exposition is marked by a modulation to the
relative major (F major) in measure 65.
The middle section is dominated by a series of rapid modulations: F major in
measure 65, G minor in measure 68, C minor in measure 71, B-flat major in measure 75,
F minor in measure 80, and then back to D minor in measure 85. The only fugal device
used in the middle section is the stretto.
The final section of the fugue begins in measure 87. Both subjects, which
appeared in the tonic and dominant tonal areas in the opening exposition, are now
("Ail I • m T S U 5 e C t S f ° r t h e " K y r i e " a r e derived from the final chorus ( Meluja/We will rejoice") of Handel's Dettingen JeDeum HWV 265 (1743). See ibid.,
81
presented entirely in the tonic (D minor) in an abbreviated form. The movement
concludes with a short chordal passage marked Adagio.
Like Mozart, Cherubini too begins his Introit with an orchestral introduction.
Cherubini's introduction begins with a melody in the cellos that rises steadily to a climax
measure 11 and falls back immediately. This melody is accompanied by off-beat chords
played by the horns and bassoons. The form of Cherubini's Introit is shown in Figure 16.
Figure 16. Form of Cherubini's Introit.
Introduction A "Requiem"
mm. 1-11 Start: D minor End : D minor
12-38 D minor D minor
B "Te decet"
39-79 A minor D minor
A "Requiem"
80-106 D minor D minor
C "Kyrie"
107-177 Bb major D minor
The voices enter in section A, beginning with the basses singing "Requiem
aeternam" softly. They are imitated by the second tenors in measure 14 and the first
tenors in measure 18. The words "et lux perpetua" are announced by the second tenors in
measure 28 and imitated by the other two voices in the next two measures, gradually
rising to the first and only forte section in this movement, measures 34-38. The entire A
section is repeated, once again, in measures 80-106.
The B section is characterized by the use of two contrasting textures. In measure
39, the second tenors sing a descending melody on the words "Te decet hymnus," and the
other two voices answer with the same words in measure 43. This texture is contrasted by
a chordal setting of the words "Exaudi orationem meam" where both the chorus and the
82
orchestra declaim the text in dotted rhythm. The words "Te decet hymnus" in Mozart's
Introit are instead sung entirely by a soprano solo, unlike Cherubini's setting.
The C section is the setting of the three-part liturgical text: Kvrie eleison Christe
eleison, Kyrie eleison. Unlike Mozart's setting, Cherubini's "Kyrie" is not set fugally. The
first part of the text is sung by the first tenors in measures 107-111. It is then repeated by
the basses in measures 111-115 and the full chorus in measures 116-123. The Christe
eleison or middle portion of the text has a similar setting. The third part of the text begins
homophomcally in measure 140 and becomes polyphonic several measures later, leading to
a close in measures 171-172 on an authentic cadence in D minor.
The Introit is only partly related to the Sequence. Cherubini seems to want a
certain degree of musical variety by setting the words "dona eis requiem" both with
accompaniment and in acappella style (see Figure 17). Besides the Introit, the Agnus Dei
and the Communion, like the Sequence, also have the same words, "dona eis requiem," set
with accompaniment, while the same words in the Gradual and "Pie Jesu" are presented
a cappella.
83
Figure 17. Setting of the words "dona eis requiem" in Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor
Movement
Introit: "Requiem aeternam dona eis" - Accompanied by orchestra
Gradual: "Requiem aeternam dona eis" - A cappella
Sequence: last line "dona eis requiem" - Accompanied by orchestra
Pie Jesu: "dona eis requiem" - A cappella
Agnus Dei: "dona eis requiem" - A cappella (mm. 10-13, 23-27, and 37-42) and also accompanied by orchestra (mm. 49-54)
Communion. Requiem aeternam dona eis" - Accompanied by orchestra
It is also noteworthy that the openings of Mozart's Introit and Cherubini's Introit
are quite similar. Compare Examples 8 and 9. In both cases, the basses start first, with
the rest of the voices entering successively in imitative counterpoint. In addition, the
chord progressions in both examples alternate between the tonic and dominant harmonies
most of the time.
However, what is even more significant is that at a deeper level, the melodic
middleground of the opening measures of both Introits also demonstrates a high degree of
similarity (see Example 10). Both middlegrounds have a strong emphasis on pitches D
and A at the opening. In measures 15-17 of Mozart's Introit, the pitches that are
emphasized are all a third apart, moving from C to E-flat and finally to G. In measures
26-34 of Cherubini's Introit, the pitches that are emphasized are the same as Mozart's
except for the first pitch which is a C-sharp instead of a C. Thus, beyond the "surface"
84
similarities, the middleground similarities further reinforce the possibility that Cherabini
might have modeled his Requiem in D Minnr o n Mozart's Requiem
Example 8. Mozart, Requiem. Introit, measure 8-10.119
M . • •» * m*
frU . * it dm£Mi.»dkf
m * . rri* • 4m CM* miuf •
. r I — : £->
1 ' Ortm " I _ 0
i SLu « * / * ^ 3 1
119 Mozart, 7-8.
Example 9. Cherubini, Requiem in D Minor, introit, measures 12-19 m
85
J : i I i t y ^ V < o V « *««] i
Cherubini, Requiem in D Minor 4
86
Example 10. Melodic middlegrounds of the opening measures of Mozart's and Cherubim's Introit.
Mozart's Introit (measures 8-17):
•H- is l*> fj
Cherubini's Introit (measures 12-34):
OJ iC E b fri
mm < i2i ' 6 E* tSo 30 M-
Aj I & & fr,
Offertory
Traditionally, the words "quam olim Abrahae promisisti et semini ejus" in the
° f f e r t 0 r y ^ S M f U g a" 5 ' T h e ™ r d s 8'oriae" and "sed signifer sane,us Michael
repraesentet eas in lucem sanctam" are also treated specially by composers.
Figure 18 shows the form of Mozart's Offertory. The vocal parts of the phrase
Donune Jesu" (section A) are set homophonically The voices are accompanied by the
Violins, Which p'ay a disjunct melodic line consisting mainly of eighth and sixteenth notes.
In measure 3, the words "rex gloriae" suddenly introduce a dotted rh^hm figure which is
totally unprepared by the music preceding it. The dotted rhythm employed in setting these
87
words refers directly to the dotted rhythms in the third movement of the Sequence,121 and
especially the homophomc treatment in measure 6 indicating that "rex gloriae" (King of
glory) is, textually, the same as "rex tremendae majestatis" (King of terrifying majesty)
presented earlier.122
Figure 18. Form of Mozart's Offertory.
A B (Fugue) Expo 1
"Domine" "ne absorbeat"
mm. 1-20 21-32 Start: G minor C minor End : G minor G minor
""sed signifer" "quam olim"
32-43 44-51 52-78 G minor G minor D major G minor D major G minor
C
"Hostias"
B' (fugue) "quam olim"
1-54 55.89 Eb major G minor V of G minor G minor
The B section begins with the "quam olim Abrahae" fugue. As mentioned above,
the Phrase "quam olim Abrahae" is traditionally set as a fugue. However, what is unusual
about Mozart's setting of the "quam olim Abrahae" fugue is that it has three fugal
expositions, each containing a different subject. The first subject is characterized by
downward leaps of major and minor sevenths (Example 11).
"'See Chapter V regarding the use of dotted rhythms in the third Sequence.
122Wolff, 109-110
movement of the
88
Example II. Mozart, Requiem, Offertory, Domine Jesu first fugal subject measures 21-23.123 '
tttncr t * Major "7*
* =F=*=* tie ab-ior-b*. it • * t»r- U.rai nt . a . <faaC la ob Ku-nim, wtn.dt da ai it* Quai dtr £ .wig.lot dtm Slm.dtr dart tt . tdui.dn,
The firs, exposition begins with each of the four voices - tenor, alto, soprano, and
bass - on p.tches that are closely related but not in the usual tonic-dominant relationship
as .s typical of a fttgal entry However, the order of entries and the pitches, nonetheless,
purpose of the passage — that is to move from C minor (measure 21) to G
minor (measure 29) via fiigal entries on G in the tenor (measure 21), C in the alto
(measure 23), A in the soprano (measure 25), and D in the bass (measure 27). After the
first a m y of the subject in measure 21, a three-note motive with the text "ne cadant"
appears as countersubject in the res, of the exposition. The first exposition ends on a half
cadence in G minor in measure 32 and without any break, the second exposition begins.
The phrase "sed signifer sanctus Michael repraesentet eas in lucem sanctam" is
treated as the subject for the second exposition that appears in a descending order
edition of Mozart's rLi^jT] t e d m ' c L p l e r s ' l V L d v t b C h a p t e r " t h e
edition published by Breitkopf and HWel of I^ipzis in 1800 Th°" ? S C ° r e
edition is because this is the editinn rh»r, u- L e , p z , f " Y 8 0 0 - T h e reason for using this Mozart's E e g u i ^ to the F re^h a u d ^ ^ s in' I W Hn " 1 i n i n ' r ° d " d " 8
this early edition is that the voral na* • • 1 o n e slight disadvantage of M score edition * & , " « • "if ° W < * * Incidentally, the only clefs (tenor clefs) forthe t e n o r ™ i s 11150 i" the old is used in this thesis is published by Kalmus' o f C h e n , b , m ' s SBjuiem in D minor that
89
(soprano, alto, tenor, and finally bass) with each voice starting a fifth below the preceding
entrance. The second exposition starts in the key of G minor. It is then followed by a
series of brief tonicization - C minor (measure 34), F minor (measure 36), and B-flat
major (measure 38) - before returning to G minor in measure 41 and closing on a half
cadence in that key two measures later. This cadence also serves as a preparation for the
third and final exposition starting in the same key, G minor, in measure 44.
Unlike the first exposition, the subject entries of the third exposition are more
typical of a fogal entry because they adhere strictly to the tonic-dominant relationship
between subject and answer. The subject enters in the bass on G (measure 44) and is
answered by the tenor on D (measure 45), alto on G (measure 48), and finally, soprano on
D (measure 49).
The fugue has a short middle section which begins in measure 51. Materials from
the third exposition are presented here in various arrangements. The final section of the
fugue begins at measure 58 with an altered version of the subject in the bass. The soprano
answers with a further alteration of the subject in measure 61. The movement finally
closes on a plagal cadence in measures 77-78.
"Hostias" is set as a separate movement (labeled as C in Figure 18) in the
Offertory. The vocal texture of the first fifty-three measures of this movement is
predominantly chordal and is accompanied by syncopated figures from the violins and
violas. This movement has new melodic materials and a different text, making it unrelated
to the first two sections, A and B . In terms of tonality, this movement, which is in the key
of E-flat major, not only modulates to closely related keys, but also to non-related keys
well, such as B-flat minor in measure 23, D-flat major in measure 27, and D minor in
measure 35. The movement eventually ends on a half cadence in G minor. This cadence
serves as a preparation for the return of the "quam olim Abrahae" fugue in measure 55.
Cherubim's Offertory consists of two large sections each ending with a fugato.
The first section consists of three contrasting subsections labeled a, b, and c respectively.
The second section begins with new material, subsection d, that prepares for the return of
the fugato, subsection c. Figure 19 shows the form of this movement.
90
as
Figure 19. Form of Cherubini's Offertory.
Introduction A a
"Domine"
& C
(fugato) "sed signifer" "Quam olim"
mm. 1-6 Start: F major End : F major
7-36 37-59 F major C minor V of C minor C major
B d
"Hostias"
71-121
(fugato) " Quam olim "
60-70 71-121 122-196 V of F major D minor V of F major V of D minor V of F major F major
The vocal parts are set polyphonicaily (as in subsections b and c), homophonically (as in
subsection d), and in free imitative style combining passages that juxtapose both textures
(as m subsection a). The words "sed signifier sanctus Michael..." (subsection b) is
treated specially by slowing the tempo and thinning the texture using only first and second
tenors, with the former imitating the latter at first and later singing in thirds together. In
addition, the passage is sparsely orchestrated, using only a few woodwinds and upper
91
strings (second violin and viola playing pizzicato). Both c subsections are fugato passages
set to the words "Quam olim Abrahae." As was noted in discussing Mozart's Offertory,
these words are traditionally treated fugally. The second fugato is much longer and set to
a much faster tempo than the first. Subsection d uses only strings to accompany the
setting of "Hostias." The vocal texture is predominantly chordal, accompanied by a
chromatically disjunct melodic line in the first violins and syncopated figures in the second
violins and violas. Subsection a starts polyphonically and ends homophonically. At
measure 7, the second tenors begin with an ascending melody on the words "Domine
Jesu," while the basses imitate them one measure later moving in contrary motion. The
first tenors resume the ascending melodic line initiated by the second tenors in measure 9,
but on a different starting pitch. The texture turns homophonic at "rex gloriae" and that
texture is sustained to the end of the subsection.
Like Mozart, Cherubini, too, follows convention by setting the words "rex gloriae"
in dotted rhythm to create a musical reference to the "Rex tremendae" section of the
Sequence, which also uses dotted rhythm. In addition to the dotted rhythm, the words
rex gloriae (King of glory) in the Offertory and "rex tremendae majestatis" (King of
terrifying majesty) in measures 3-6 of the "Rex tremendae" section of the Sequence are set
homophonically, demonstrating that both words are not only musically related, but also
textually the same.
92
There are some similarities between Mozart's and Cherubini's setting of the
Hostias. Both are set in triple meter and are approximately the same length.124
In addition, the vocal texture in both is predominantly chordal and is accompanied by
syncopated figures played by the second violins- and violas. But what is even more
significant is that the melodic middlegrounds of both "Hostias" are very similar, indicating
that the "surface" similarities are more than sheer coincidence (see Example 12). Mozart's
"Hostias" starts with B-flat and moves up a fourth to E-flat follows by a downward sixth
to G. In Cherubini's "Hostias," a similar melodic pattern occurs but instead of moving up
a fourth and down a sixth, Cherubini starts with an ascending sixth from A to F follows by
a downward third, F to D. A similar melodic pattern occurs in measures 12-21 of
Mozart's "Hostias" and in measures 84-92 of Cherubini's "Hostias." Both composers start
with the same pitch, B-flat, but instead of moving up a fourth to E-flat and back down to
B-flat, Cherubini moves a step higher to F before returning to B-flat. More importantly,
the pitches in measures 23-51 of Mozart's "Hostias" are practically the same as in
measures 93-105 of Cherubini's "Hostias" except that in the latter, they are presented in
reverse order. The pitches in Mozart's "Hostias" are F, C-sharp, F, E-flat, B-flat but in
Cherubini's "Hostias," they are B-flat, E-flat, F, D-flat which is enharmonic to C-sharp,
and F. Thus, based on the middleground similarities, there is little doubt that Cherubini
was consciously trying to imitate the melodic structure of Mozart's "Hostias."
than M : ^ "H°St i aS" ( e X d u d i n g t h e " Q u a m o l i m") i s three measures shorter
93
E x a m p l e ^ Melod^raddlegrounds ofMozatfs "Hostias'' (Offertory) and Chenibini's
Mozart's "Hostias" (measures 3-51):
,*>m' 3 s IT u 33 as ^ S )
|g> E 6-« ,6b E*> 6b, f F ^ P Rt>
Cherubini's "Hostias" (measures 74-105):
mm IM- TS, 62 64 « » 92 <jf3 97 «Oi I0S
l A F P.! 1 & F fcb| |6 b F pfa~FT
Sanctus
As mentioned in Chapter H, Sussmayr claimed that the Sanctus and the Agnus Dei
were entirely his own compositions. But based on the quality of the vocal writing, it
seems possible that Sussmayr may have had access to some drafts of these two
movements and may even have heard them played and sung by Mozart before Mozart
died.
Figure 20 shows the form of the Sanctus movement. The vocal parts in the A
section are se, homophonically, with a string accompaniment consisting mainly of
h notes. This setting is very similar to the homophonic setting of the "Dies irae"
movement and both movements open without any instrumental introduction.
94
Figure 20. Form of Mozart's/Sussmayr's Sanctus.
"Sanctus"
B (fugato)
"Hosanna"
mm. 1-10 11-38 Start: D major D major End : V of D major D major
c
"Benedictus"
1-18
B b major F major
B' (fugato)
Benedictus" "Hosanna"
C "Benedictus"
19-27 28-53 54-76 F major B b major B b major B b major B b major B b major
In addition, the disjunct soprano line in measures 1-5 of the Sanctus displays a striking
resemblance to the opening soprano line of the "Dies irae" movement. Compare Examples
13 and 14. Both examples open with the same four pitches (D,A,E,A) and the melodic
descent from G to C-sharp in measures 4-5 of the Sanctus is similar to measures 7-8 of the
"Dies irae movement.,!s This striking musical similarity between the "Dies irae" and
Sanctus movements does not indicate a textual connection between the two movements,
but it certainly shows that Siissmayr may have taken the idea from Mozart, either through
oral infractions or by drafts left by the composer, or a combination of both.
125 Wolff, 38.
Example 13. Mozart, Requiem. Sanctus, measures 1-5.126
95
Adagfa
126 'Mozart, 129-130.
Example 13. Continued.
96
._£££ •*££?
•V-J*.
Example 14 Mozart, Requiem, Sequence, "Dies irae," measures 1-8 127
97
AHa««ai.Xr "* ^
mMT I ZZ n - *•«—Ji, •
•
m *
TUHLjcl
t\ ' -
§« 4m 1 • <Mt •m* imt IH JTd « IQ-
m tm « •
«• k,' *•!«» £=£=
•m* .
I
127 Ibid., 29-30
Example 14. Continued.
98
B*r*k fa fc. ttf.ht
minttrm If.lii, T< •*> Dt. tU am Cf . M • u. titk-uu» . la- . TU mi .. U - Im.
99
However, Wolff points out that Sussmayr may have misunderstood ideas written in
Mozart's drafts and as a result, he creates several voice-leading problems in the vocal parts
of the Sanctus. Examples of these problems include the false relation created by the C-
sharp in the tenor (measure 5) and the C-natural in the bass (measure 6), and the parallel
fifths between the sopranos and the first violins in measure 4.128
The Sanctus ends with the "Hosanna" fogato (labeled as B in Figure 20) whose
thematic material is derived from the third subject of the "quam olim Abrahae" fugue of
the Offertory.
The Benedictus is set as a separate movement (labeled as C in Figure 20). This
movement and the "Recordare" -movement of the Sequence are very similar in structure.
Both movements are scored for four soloists: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. They begin
similarly, starting with a pair of soloists and gradually developing into a four-part texture
set in polyphony. Again, the similarity in structure between these two movements is
purely musical and does not indicate any textual connection between the movements.
Sussmayr's misunderstanding of Mozart's drafts may have misled him into ending the
"Hosanna" fugato (labeled B«) at the end of the Benedictus in the key of B-flat major
instead of the expected tonic, D major. As a result, the Sanctus is different from the
other movements of the Requiem by being harmonically open-ended.129
128Wolff, 38
129Ibid., 40.
100
Cherubini's Sanctus is set in four sections as seen in Figure 21
Figure 21. Form of Cherubini's Sanctus.
A B C B' 'Sanctus" "Hosanna" "Benedictus" "Hosanna"
m m - 1 - 1 4 14-18 18-26 26-40 Start: Bb major F major F major F major End: Fmajor Bb major Fmajor Bb major
The A section is the setting of the Sanctus text. The strings and bassoons introduce a
melodic line moving in dotted rhythm accompanying the homophonic setting of the text.
The two B sections are set to the text "Hosanna in excelsis." The first "Hosanna" section
is short and its melodic materials are consistently doubled by the woodwinds. The second
Hosanna" section is three times as long as the first and uses full orchestral
accompaniment. Texturally, both B sections are set chordally. The C section, which is
the setting of the Benedictus text, provides a sharp contrast to the other three sections.
While the dynamic level of the other three sections ranges from forte to M m m , the
Benedictus section is set softly to a veiy light accompaniment consisting of only the first
violins, which embellish the melodic line of the first tenors, and the second violins and
viola, which double the vocal lines of the second tenors and basses respectively.
In the Sanctus section (labeled A), the use of dotted rhythm in the orchestral
accompaniment creates a musical reference to the "Rex tremendae majestatis" of the
101
Sequence, which not only uses dotted rhythm in the instrumental but also the vocal parts.
This reference is purely musical and does not indicate a textual connection between the
two texts.
Despite the use of the same text, Cherubini and Mozart/Sussmayr set the Sanctus
very differently. In Cherubini's Sanctus, the orchestral accompaniment is set in dotted
rhythm. In Mozart's/Sussmayr's Sanctus, the orchestral accompaniment is set in regular
rhythm with the strings moving primarily in sixteenth notes. In addition, Cherubini's
Hosanna is set chordally instead of fugally. Furthermore, a comparison of the melodic
middlegrounds of both Sanctus reveals that the melodic structures of the two movements
are veiy different. Thus, it leads one to wonder if Cherubini knew that the Sanctus
movement was not composed by Mozart.
Agnus Dei
As mentioned above, Sussmayr claimed that the Agnus Dei movement was
composed entirely by him. But based on the quality of the vocal writing, it seems possible
that Sussmayr may have had access to some drafts of this movement also. Figure 22
shows the form of Mozart's/Sussmayr's Agnus Dei movement. The A section is in three
parts, labeled a, a' and a". All three parts have the same text except the last, which ends
with the word "sempiternam."
102
Figure 22. Form of Mozart's/Sussmayr's Agnus Dei
* B C
C . s - -u„. (double fugue) IjUX cum sanctis
m m ' " 1 4 15-31 3 2 - 5 1 , 5 2 - 8 1 8 2 133
Stan: D minor F major C major fit. major VofDmi F major C major V of B major V of D minor D minor
minor
The orchestral accompaniment in all the three parts is very similar, with the strings playing
a sixteenth-note figure reminiscent of the string accompaniment in the "Domine Jesu" of
the Offertory. What distinguishes the first from the other two parts is the quotation of the
"Requiem" theme (from the Introit) in the bass (measures 2-6). See Example 15. The
appearance of the "Requiem" theme in the Agnus Dei supports the fact that this movement
probably is based on some drafts left by Mozart. However, Wolff states that the textual
function of this quotation at the beginning of the Agnus Dei is unclear/m Be that as it
may, what is apparent is that Sussmayr did not fully understand Mozart's sketches when he
failed to quote the "Requiem" theme at the end, "dona eis requiem," of the Agnus Dei
movement. The "Requiem" quotation appearing at "dona eis requiem" would make much
more sense because it would then connect textually to the ending of the "Lacymosa"
movement and the opening of the Introit (see Chapter V for further discussion on this
matter).
130-Wolff, 41.
103
Example 15. Mozart Requiem, Agnus Dei, quotation of the "Requiem" theme in the bass measures 1-6.131 '
L«rghetto.
Jrtmitmi ftU Ptr<L
Larghecio.
_ _ _ _ _
131 Mozart, 151-152.
104
The B section is the setting of the Communion ("Lux aeterna") and its music is
based on measures 19-48 of the Introit. The music of the "Kyrie" double fugue is brought
back at section C but now with a different text, "cum sanctis tuis in aeternum."
Cherubini's Agnus Dei movement is divided into three sections with each section
having its own melodic material. Figure 23 shows the movement. In the A section, the
melody is repeated three times (labeled as subsections a, a, and a') to the same text,
Agnus Dei, except for the final statement which concludes with the word
"sempiternam." The first two subsections begin in D minor but modulate to A minor and
F major, respectively, at their endings. The vocal parts of the A section are set
homophonically and are accompanied by the full orchestra. The Communion begins in
measure 72 (labeled B) with the words "Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine" set over a long
pedal tone on F that lasts for more than seven measures. The text is accompanied by loud
string tremolos and timpani rolls to evoke the feeling of "everlasting light" ("aeterna
luceat") in heaven. The transition, which connects the B and C sections, also serves as a
modulating passage back to the original key of D minor. Section C begins with the basses
singing Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis" on D, and the
first and second tenors singing to the same words on a unison A. These two pitches are
sustained in the vocal parts for sixteen measures and are accompanied by soft timpani rolls
and a repeating two-quarter-note figure on the strings.
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106
A short crescendo in measure 121 leads to an extended final cadence for the voices in D
major An instrumental coda immediately follows and returns the tonality to the minor
mode, concluding the movement with an authentic cadence in D minor at measures 140-141.
The Agnus Dei is only partly related to the Sequence. As mentioned in the
discussion of the Introit, Cherubini seems to wan, a certain degree of musical variety in
setting the words "dona eis requiem" in his RecKm. In the Sequence, these words are
accompanied by the orchestra (see Figure 17). In the Agnus Dei, the first three
appearances of these words (measures 10-13, 23-27, and 37-42) are set unaccompanied
but the last statement of the text (measures 49-54) is accompanied by the orchestra, as
was the case it, the Sequence. Besides the Agnus Dei, the words "dona eis requiem" also
appear in the texts of the Introit and the Communion, and in these movements and the
Sequence, these words are set with orchestral accompaniment.
Despite the use of the same text, CherubW's and MozartVSussmayr's Agnus Dei-
Communion movements are set ve^ differently. For example, the string accompaniment
m Cherubini's Agnus Dei moves primarily in quarter and eighth notes rather than in
sixteenth notes. While Sussmayr repeated most of the materials from the Introit (including
the "Kyrie" fugue) in the Communion, Cherubini composed new music for his
Communion. In addition, a comparison of the melodic middlegrounds of Cherubini's and
Mozart s/Sussmayr s Agnus Dei-Communion movements reveals that the melodic
structures of both are very different. Thus, it leads one to wonder if Chembini knew that
the Agnus Der-Communion movement was not composed entirely by Mozart.
107
Now that we have compared those movements that are common in both Requiems
m the next section, we will give a brief description of those movements that appear oniy in
Cherabini's Requiem in D Minor. They are the Gradual and the Pie Jesu.
Gradual
Cherubini's setting of the Gradual is unusual because the vocal parts are set
poiyphonically.132 After four measures of introduction piayed by the bassoons, ce„o, and
double bass, the voices enter poiyphonically and maintain this texture to the end, devoid of
any instrumental accompaniment. This movement also uses extensive chromaticism and
rapid modulation. The movement is through-composed.
While there is no expansive section in the Sequence that is totally devoid of any
instrumental accompaniment (as in the Gradual), unaccompanied passages occur at key
words in the text, such as "voca me cum benedictis" in the "Confotatis" section.
One of the most striking differences between Cherubini's and Mozart's Requiem, i s
that Mozart seems "to avoid pure a cappella texture, although sometimes he gets close to
it, cutting off,he obbligato accompaniment a. particular points, such as a. salve me, fons
pietatis at the end of 'Rex tremendae' (bars 20-22).1,133
™ n o p h o J S l ^ d t r e l y t ! X n . 0 c f J l y e SU"8
133Ibid„ 94.
108
Pie Jesu
figure 24 shows the form of this movement. The melodic materials in the three
sections (AA'A") are related, except the last section where the melody is extended and
presented in the major mode, G major The text for this movement is taken from the last
stanza of the Sequence.
Figure 24. Form of the Pie Jesu.
introduction A_ (.ink) * (link) v Coda (instrumental)
? f '!\ ' " 2 . 3 " 1 3 13"15 15-27 27-29 29-60 60-67 Start G minor G minor G minor G major G major End. Gminor Gminor Gmajor Gmajor Gmajor
This movement, like the Gradual, is unaccompanied. Short melodic phrases are
Played by the clarinets, bassoons, and bass trombone a. the beaming a n d ending (coda),
and between sections, at measures 13-15 and 27-29.
m conclusion, the comparison of the layout of Mozarfs and Cherubini's Regmems
(excluding both Sequences) reveals that the Introit and Offertories of both works are
musically similar. No, on* did Cheiubini fol,ow the "surface" melodic ideas presented in
Mozart's settings of the Introit and Offertoiy, he also imitated on a more profound level,
.he melodic middleground staictures of these two movement. Thus, based on this deeper
level of similarities, there is little doubt that Chenibini was modeling his Requiem in n
Minor on Mozart's Requiem
109
However, Cherubini seems to be less influenced by the Sanctus and Agnus Dei
movements of Mozart's ReoBem. One possible assumption is that Cherubini knew the
final two movements were not composed by Mozart. The reasons to support this
assumption are that Cherubini must have noticed the voice-leading errors in the Sanctus
movement. Furthermore, he must also have noticed the extensive "recall" of melodic
materials from the Introit in the Communion as totally uncharacteristic of eighteenth-
century practice.134
Although it is not uncommon for comoosers tn 'Woii», • • . the Introit in the Communion such as in th^ nhr* motivic ideas from which occurs in both texts Examnl^ nf u R e q u i e m aeternam dona eis. . ." (1756) and Michael H a ^ d r t S j S 0 7 7 , f reC3"" * * * J o m m e l l i ' s Ssffliiem
CHAPTER V
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE "DIES IRAE" IN MOZART'S REOITTFM
AND CHERUBIM'S REQUIEMINDMNOR FOCUSING ON THE TONAL
AND MOTIVIC SIMILARITIES
In Chapter IV, we have compared the layout of Mozart's and Cherubini's
Seguiems concluding that the Introit and Offertories of both works are musically similar.
In addition, the chapter also examines how the movements of each Reguiem relate to its
Sequence. In the las. chapter, we ™ll compare the setting of the Sequence ("Dies irae") in
Mozart's Reayiem i„ D minor and in Cherubini's R e a u m h y D ^ ^ T h e r e a s o n s & r
comparing both Sequences are: (1) the "Dies irae," the longest text in the Requiem mass,
- considered the dramatic focal point o f this liturgical ritual; (2, the "Dies irae" text, with
its vision of the day of judgment, offers two complementary themes of judgment and
redemption that invite composers to elaborate on this powerftl images offered by the
text; (3) most importantly, Mozart's and Cherubini's settings of the "Dies irae" text are
organized tonally and motivically along similar lines. However, similarities between the
wo settings are not readily apparent and are revealed only after a deep analysis of each
setting.
m Chapter IV, differences between the two Reguiems, i n c l u d i n g n u m b e r rf
— n t s in each R ^ t h e u s e o f „ ^ ^ ^ ^
discussed. WW. the main purpose of this chapter is to establish a possible influence of
110
I l l
Mozart's "Dies irae" on Cherubini's "Dies irae," it is important to draw attention to the
differences in the two settings in order to gain a thorough understanding of the two
Sequences and their possible relationships. Therefore, this chapter will start with a
discussion of those aspects of the music that are least alike - the formal design and
chestration before proceeding to an examination of those elements that are most alike
- the tonal and motivic materials and their treatment by each composer. In addition, a
comparison of the melodic middlegrounds demonstrating the similar melodic structures of
both Sequences will be presented.
A Summary of the Formal Differences between the Two
As mentioned in Chapter III, the "Dies irae" text consists of nineteen stanzas.
Mozart divides the text into six independent movements: (1) "Dies irae" [stanzas 1-2], (2)
"Tuba mirum" [stanzas 3-7], (3) "Rex tremendae" [stanza 8], (4) "Recordare" [stanzas
9-15], (5) "Coniutatis" [stanzas 16-17], and (6) "Laoymosa" [stanzas 18-20], His
decisions to subdivide the text in this manner "were based on the imageiy or expressive
character of the first stanza in each of the five movements after the first/"3' Cherubini, on
the other hand, set his text in one continuous movement, and emphasized important
stanzas by using different meters and tempos (see Chapter IV, Figure 12). Thus, unlike
135 Wolff, 107.
112
Mozart, Cherubim's does not separate but interweaves the two complementary themes of
judgment and redemption presented in the text.136
The form of each movement of Mozart's Sequence is determined by the repetition
of text and melodic ideas except for the second movement, which is through-composed,
and the fourth movement which is set in a modified strophic form (AA'A"A"') where each
stanza uses a varied version of the opening melodic material. As a general rule, stanzas
are designed to limit musical material and make sections more tightly related both
musically and conceptually. This rule applies to the first movement, where stanzas 1-2 are
repeated two times, in the third movement, where stanza 8 is repeated two times, and in
the fifth and last movements, where stanza 16 and 18 is each repeated one time
respectively.This repetition of text and music creates forms that range from two- to
three-parts as follows: AA' (Movement HI), AA'A" (Movement I & VI), and AA'B
(Movement V).
Unlike that of Mozart, the form of Cherabini's Sequence is determined by the
recurrence of several motivic ideas from the beginning of the movement (further
discussion of these motives are presented below this chapter). These motivic ideas are
It must be emphasized that both Mozart's and Chembini's settines of thrir
Rswiem (1756) and Salieri's Requiem ( I S ^ T like ( 2 " ^ l 0 m m e l l i ' S
continuous movement. ' their Sequences in one
is completed
113
often varied as they recur throughout the movement, thus creating a kind of continuous
variation form in the Sequence. Furthermore, the repetition of the entire stanza is rarely
found in Cherubini's Sequence.1" Instead, Cherubim preferred to limit himself to
repeating certain words, which he deemed most important and giving them special
treatments. Such word-paintings include, but are by no means limited to, "Mors stupebit"
from stanza 4, in which, according to Robertson, "the staccato exchanges between the
voices do give a feeling of Death's and Nature's stupefaction"'*' (see Example 16a). In
stanza 8, the words "salve me" are set in constant alternation between a„d
fiiano in the vocal parts, evoking a sense of helplessness and desperation yearning to be
saved ( salve me") (see Example 26b). In stanza 16, the words "flammis acribus
addtctus" suggests the "flames for the cursed." Cherubini set both the choral and
instrumental parts in rising and Ming eighth-note patterns with the whole reinforced by
string tremolo to evoke a sense of "flames" in the music (see Example 16b).
Only the last stanza ("Pie Jesu") is repeated.
139Robertson, 83.
114
Example 16a. Chenibini, "Tuba miram," measures 48-55, staccato exchanges between the voices to evoke a sense of "Death's and Nature's stupefaction."™
Example 16b. Cherubim, "Confutatis," measures 199-207 rise and fall in hnth th* instrumental and choral parts illustrating flames.»''
140, Cherubini, Requiem in n Mm»r 1 9
14IIbid, 33-34.
115
A Summary of the Orchestration Differences between the Two S e q u e n t
As mentioned in Chapter II, only the first movement (i.e. Introit-Kyrie) in Mozart's
autograph was folly orchestrated. Motivic ideas were indicated sparingly throughout the
orchestral parts of the Sequence and the Offertoiy. It was Sussmayr who completed the
orchestration for the Sequence and the Offertory142 and provided new compositions for the
last two movements, the Sanctus and the Agnus Dei.
In 1800, Breitkopf and Hartel published the first full-score edition of Mozart's
Requiem, based on a copy of Sussmayr's version of the work. As mentioned in Chapter II,
this was possibly the edition Cherubini knew in 1804, when he first introduced the
Requiem to the French audiences. However, Mozart's orchestration of the Sequence had
little influence on Cherubini's orchestration.
In Mozart's autograph, he clearly indicated the use of a short trombone solo in the
"Tuba mirum" movement, and gave the basset horns an especially prominent part at the
beginning of the Introit and the "Recordare" movements."3 These two types of
instruments, the trombone and the basset horn, were by no means arbitrarily selected by
Mozart. His decisions were based on a conscientious following of the tradition, and also
on personal preference.
OfF I ? S o r c J l e s t r a t l o n f o r t h e Sequence is modeled on Eybler's while in thP e ory, e probably took Stadler's orchestration as the model. See Chapter II.
m o v e m e n / w M e ™ o X s s e t h o m T l t e M ^ I 8 1 " 6 6 " n K a s u r e s i n t h e "Tubi> the beginning of the Introit. The opening o f t h ^ R ^ o r S r e " ^ Z T " f b a s s o o n s a t
basset horns in a canon. See Wolff 178 196 and 2M started with two
116
The trombone, invented around the fifteenth century, had frequently been
employed in church music since the sixteenth century.144 Traditionally, the trombone was
often used to support the vocal parts in church music. By making the trombone a solo
instrument in his "Tuba mirum," Mozart redefined the conventional role of the trombone.
According to Blume, the basset horn was one of Mozart's favorite instruments and
he affords it special treatment in his works:
In the first act of Zauberflote it [basset horn] does not appear until the highly dramatic Pamma-Sarastro recitative in the finale, in the second [act] it is heard in the march of the priests, in the "dreimaliger Akkord," and in Sarastro's aria with chorus, after which . . . it serves only for tone-color characterization of certain persons and situations. In [La Clemenza di] Tito Mozart calls for a solo basset horn only once, in the rondo of Vitellia. An especially fine example of the use of the instrument is offered by the Maurerische Trauermusik, K. 477 with three basset horns, of which the two top ones were added later. In extensive works Mozart never used the basset horn throughout, except for the special case
the Gran Partita K. 36J for twelve wind instruments and double bass.145
While we may never know for certain the extent to which Mozart had intended the use of
the basset horn in his Reguiem, it is quite certain that whenever the instrument is
employed, as in the beginning of the Introit and the "Recordare" movements, its role is
more than sheer accompaniment.146
While the trombone is the featured instrument in the "Tuba mirum" movement, and
the basset horns dominate in the Introit and the "Recordare" movements of Mozart's
Reauiem, Cherubini, on the other hand, seems to have a different opinion on these two
144Randel, s.v. "Trombone," by Robert E. Eliason, 875. 145Blume, 117-118.
See footnote 143 for the reason.
117
types of instruments. He never scored for basset horn in his Requiem and when the
trombone is used, it is relegated to its more traditional function of supporting the vocal
parts.
Given these differences, how can one explain the orchestration similarities in the
"Dies irae," the "Rex tremendae," and the "Lacrymosa" movements, in which string
tremolo, dotted rhythmic figures, and a figure known as the "sigh' motif are used
extensively in both composers' settings? Does it mean that Cherubini was influenced by
Mozart's orchestration? The answers to these questions are as follows.
The idea of using string tremolo in the "Dies irae" originates from the line
"Quantus tremor est futurus" of the second stanza, which suggests the fundamental
mus,cal idea of "tremor" as equivalent to tremolo. Traditionally,"' the use of string
tremolo was often reserved for the line "Quantus tremor est futurus," for example, in
Johann Kasper Kerll's Rsauiem of 1689."' However, as time passed, composers such as
Mozart decided ,o extend the use of string tremolo, therefore applying it to ,he entire firs,
movement (stanzas 1-2)™ Cherubini carried the technique even further making use of
147This tradition started as early as the seventeenth century.
' ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ T h e O^o^Sta^Uhi^rsity^ 19&4X
completing Ihe I I S S . S L 0 ? ! ! - °" ^ 0 r c h e s t r a t i ° " ) was responsible for .he firs, (-ks m o , i v i c i d e a s i n
indicate that the use of string tremolo dntteri rh^h ? Lac iymosa ) movements to be applied throughout each of the three movement* ^ ^ ^ "Si8h" m ° t i f a r e t 0
200-202, and 218. or tne tftree movements respectively. See Wolff, 189-195,
118
string tremolo from the beginning to the end of stanza 4 ("Mors stupedit") Nonetheless,
both composers were dearly following a tradition set forth in the seventeenth century and
to say that Cherubini was influenced by Mozart based on the common use of string
tremolo in the "Dies irae" simply is not a convincing argument.
Wolff points out that in Mozart's "Rex tremendae," "the use of dotted rhythms [in
the orchestra and vocal parts] follows the baroque convention for paying homage to
princes ([and was subsequently] standardized in the French ' overture)."15" Another
Baroque convention is the use of "sigh" motives in the first violin as well as the vocal
parts in the last movement of Mozart's Sequence. The use of this motive befits the
mournful character ofthe text, "Lacrymosa dies ilia.""' I, is likely that Cherubini had
knowledge of these Baroque conventions when he employed dotted rhythms in the "Rex
tremendae" and "sigh" motives in the "Ucrymosa" movements, and to suggest that he was
influenced by Mozart's orchestration in these two movements is also highly questionable.
Wtale Cherubini, as we will discuss below in this chapter, was clearly influenced by
the tonal scheme and motivic ideas from the vocal parts of Mozart's Sequence, he was
leas, influenced by Mozart's orchestration of his Sequence. One possible assumption was
that Cherubini, perhaps, knew that the orchestration ofthe Sequence was not entire by
Mozart.152 The second possibility may be due to changes in orchestration style in the
1S0Ibid., 108.
151Randel, s.v. "Word painting," 935.
152There is a possibility that Cherubini might have heard of th* p . •
1820s. Y S 6 e
Chapter H) fronts ( h e
119
nineteenth century that caused Cherubini to adopt Beethoven's orchestra rather than
Mozart's or Haydn's.
Similarities in the Tonal Schemes hrtween the Twn Sequent
Mozart seems to have a preference for movement by third (to the submediant, then
to the subdominant which ends in the tonic, follows by the mediant etc.) in terns of key
relationship between movements, as well as the tonal scheme of each individual movement
of his Sequence. For example, the first movement starts in D minor, second in B-flat
major, third in G minor but ends in D minor so as to continue the modulation by third to F
major in the fourth movement, moving to A minor but ending in F major in the fifth, and
finally back to D minor in the last movement (see Figure 26). The concept of moving by
thirds also carries into the tonal scheme of each individual movement. For example, the
general tonal plan of first movement begins in D minor, tonicizes F major briefly in
measures 9-11 and modulates to A minor in measures 22-29, to C minor in measures 30-
3 3 , a n d via the dominant of D minor (A major) in measures 40-56,'" returns to the
tonic, D minor in measure 57 (see Figure 25).
Figure 25. The General Tonal Plan of Mozart's "Dies irae" Movement.
" m : w U L £ ? 3 W 3 40-56 57 Key: D minor F major A minor r
r major A minor C minor V/Dminor(A) D mi minor
153/-. • . . . C minor is the chromatic mediant of A minor.
154 a A major is the chromatic mediant of C minor.
120
Like Mozart, Cherubim, too, had a preference for movement by third in the overall
tonal scheme of his Sequence (see Figure 26). Starting in D minor, he modulates to B-flat
major in measures 48-60 ("Tuba mirum"), tonicizes D-flat major155 briefly at measures 60-
63 ("judicanti") before arriving at F major in measure 67 ("ra") and closing the "Tuba
mirum" section in A minor at measure 83. A transitional passage in the key of A major
(as V of D major) follows, leading to the opening of "Rex tremendae" in D major at
measure 126. Cherubini resumes his key movement by third by passing through B minor
(relative minor of D major) at measures 130-134 before ending in G minor at measure
144. "Recordare" starts in G minor, which is related to B minor as the submediant key, at
measure 144, and moves through a series of keys by third, D minor at measures 152-166,
tonicize briefly B-flat major and F major at measures 151-152 and 166-167 respectively,
and A minor at measures 168-180. A transitional passage over a pedal B follows in
measure 183, leading into the "Confutatis" which starts in measure 193 in the key of A
minor. Harmonically, stanza 17 ("Oro supplex") serves as a modulatory passage back to
the tonic, D minor, at "Lacrymosa." This passage is tonally unstable and does not moves
by third. It starts in A minor and moves through the keys of A-flat major in measure 238,
B-flat major in measure 242, and C major in measure 246, before finally arrives at D minor
in measure 254 ("Lacrymosa").
A close examination supports the likelihood that Cherubini modeled his tonal
scheme, though with some modifications, on the opening and closing keys of each of the
55D-flat major is the chromatic mediant of B-flat major.
121
six movements of Mozart's Sequence (see Figure 26). Both Sequences start in D minor
and modulate to B-flat major in the "Tuba mirum;" but, instead of moving down a minor
third to G minor (the opening key of Mozart's "Rex tremendae"), Cherubini moves up a
minor third tonicizing D-flat major, the chromatic mediant of B-flat major.
The keys of the third, fourth, and fifth movements of Mozart's Sequence
(G minor, D minor, F major, and A minor) are presented,156 with slight modification, in the
"Recordare" of Cherubini's Sequence. Cherubini's "Recordare" starts in G minor, but
tonicizes B-flat major briefly before moving to D minor, F major (tonicized), and A minor.
In addition, the keys of G minor, D minor, F major, and A minor are all presented, though
not in the same order, from the "Tuba mirum" to the "Recordare" of Cherubini's
Sequence. F major and A minor, the opening keys of Mozart's fourth and fifth movements
respectively are used by Cherubini in the "Tuba mirum" where he starts in F major in
measure 67 and modulates up a major third to A minor in measure 83. Mozart starts his
"Rex tremendae" in G minor and modulates to D minor at the end. Cherubini, however,
uses these two keys in reverse. He starts his "Rex tremendae" by changing the modality
from D minor (the ending key of Mozart's "Rex tremendae") to D major and expanding
the tonal spectrum by passing through B minor (a minor third down) at measures 130-134
before ending in G minor in measure 144.
Except F major, the closing key of the fifth movement.
122
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The "Confutatis" and "Lacrymosa" of both composers start in the same keys of A
minor and D minor respectively. While Mozart modulates to F major at the end of
"ConfiitaUs" so as to maintain the key movement by third between the fifth and the last
movements, Cherubim's "Corfu,a,is" moves by steps through the keys of A-flat major, B-
flat major, and C major before finally arriving in the tonic, D minor at "Lacrymosa." But
why does Cherubim not end his "Confutatis" in the same key of F major as does Mozart?
The most obvious expiation is that, unlike Mozart's Sequence, Cherabini's is set in one
continuous movement. To end in F major, Cherubini would have to repeat par, of the
"Confutatis" stanza or write an instnrmental passage in order to generate a modulatory
passage back to D minor for the start of his "Lacrymosa." Thus, the overall textual and
musical unity of his Sequence is weakened by the unnecessary prolongation of his
"Confutatis" section.
Motivic Similarities between the Twn S e q u e n t
In addition to the tonal similarities discussed above, Cherubini's Sequence is built
on motives bearing a strong resemblance to the vocal parts of the firs, movement ("Dies
irae") of Mozart's Sequence. These borrowed motives are, however, often modified as
«hey recur throughout Chenrbini, Sequence. While there is no one certain explanation as
.O why Cherubini limited his borrowings t o the first movement of Mozart's Sequence, one
may speculate that it has something to do with the form of Cherubim's Sequence.
Chenrbini had found an economical way of composing by setting his Sequence in a
contmuous vanation form, where motives from the beginning are "recycled" throughout
124
the movement by simply modifying their settings. Thus, since only limited musical
resources were needed for his Sequence, Chenibini might have found it sufficient to
borrow just from the first movement of Mozart's Sequence,"' Furthermore, by having
recurring motives throughout the Sequence, Cherubim is able to interweave, as they are
interwoven in the "Dies irae" text, the two complementary themes of judgment and
redemption.
In Cherubim's Sequence, the first sixteen measures provide the foundation of the
structure by presenting all the motives (borrowed from Mozart) that will be used
throughout the entire movement. As a general rule, whenever Cherubini uses the same
intervals as Mozart, he alters the rhythm of the borrowed motive, and whenever he uses
the same rhythm, he alters the intervals of the borrowed motive. Motives x and a have the
same rhythm of two half notes, followed by two quarter notes and a two-beat rest but
employ different intervals (see Examples 17a and 17b). Both motives also have the same
melodic shape of a descending fourth.
S e q u e n c e ? S v Moz^teT^ ^"» °rcheStrati°" °f 1
orchestrating his own Sequence. ' ^ ^ ' n 0 t tTy t 0 i n u t a t e M o z a r t while
125
Example 17a^ Mozart, Requiem, Dies irae," measures 1-2, motive x in the soprano part.
CxJ AUo. tmvTnin,
TmitLXZl
Alia t su i * • *•
^ flrluenor1"^' R e q u i e m i n D M i " " ^ " K * measures 6-7, motive a in the
Cai
" * ^ N l t X
l58Mozart, 29.
Cherubini, Requiem in D M i n n r 13
126
Motives y and bJ have the same rhythm of two eighth notes followed by two quarter notes
In addition, both motives also have the same rhythmic cadence of ascending by semitone.
In motive y, the semitone acts as an accented lower neighbor tone (C-sharp) and in motive
bJ as an unaccented lower neighbor tone (G-sharp) (see Examples 18a and 18b).
E X a m P ' ' ' 8 L " D i e s m e asures 4-5, motive y in the soprano
- > t ' .
w , 3 v • LJL.
Jit Im,
f Jt
J ' 1 *• * f „
}tt • it,
1 Jt Jk
••UvtC •
\ r * dt . - ? - * -v* '
" D ' e S ^ — » - ' « • - i v e b3in
l50Mozart, 29-30.
Cheaibini, Requiem in D Minor J4
127
Motives y' and b ascend a minor third (D to F), motive y' by leap and motive b by step,
and descend a minor third (F to D), both by leap but with different rhythms (see Examples
19a and 19b).
Example 19a. Mozart, Requiem. "Dies irae," measures 57-58 162 1
part. motive y' in the soprano
E x a mple^9I^C |^^bm^B^i i emj r rD_Kf inor , "Dies irae," measures 7-8, motive b in the
CbJ
U . I*
162Mozart, 40.
'"Cherubini, Requiem in n Minnr 13
128
There are two motives (labeled as motives b' and b!) that are not from the first movement
of Mozart's Sequence but are derivatives of motive b from Cherubim's Sequence. Motive
b1 ascents a major third by leap (A to C-sharp) follows by up a minor second (C-sharp to
D) and descents a perfect fourth (D to A) by leap. Motive b;, on the other hand, descents
a minor third (E to C-sharp) and follows by a major third (C-sharp to A) (see Examples
20a and 20b). Motives b' and b2are used in the "Recordare" and C o n t o i s " sections of
Cherubini's Sequence respectively.
Example 20a. Cherubini, Requiem in D Minor, "Dies irae," measures 6-10, motives b and t> in the bass and tenor parts.
•olvet im . etcun 18 XJUTli «
H . U M-fta Da . rid
164 Ibid.
Example20b_ Cherubini, RepueminDMmor , "Dies irae." measures and b in the bass and tenor parts.165
129
15, motives b
6r-bll . 1*. Quanta* Ire . nor
Qcuuttos
Qaintat 6,1 fo " - ™» quango Ja . dox Mt Tea
ww-te • ru}
Ten-to • ru§,
165 Ibid., 14.
130
Motive y is given special treatment in Mozart's "Dies irae" movement. After its
mitia! appearance in the soprano of measures 4-5, it is used at measures 40-42, 44-46, and
48-52, as a form of word-painting to illustrate the "trembling" of men f Quantus
est futurus") while facing the judgment of God.(see Example 21).
tremor
•* t*- - *
tus ere - mor «c fu - tu timd S. • btr JaJ n«v</ £ |
imd 8
tus tre tind f
. * ®or •«* & g- •** f * - mm .
166] Mozart, 39.
13
In Cherubini's Sequence, motive b \ which derives from Mozart's motive y, is
treated together with motives b, b', and b> in a canon a, the octave, starting with motive b
in the bass a. measure 7, Motives b', b>, and b> appear in the bass a, measures 9-10, ,4-
15, and 15-16 respectively, and each is answered by the first and second tenors singing in
unison in the following measure. The canon ends in measure ,9 (see Example 22).
E X a m P Chl^Xn^' a n d bJ aPPea™£ 3 ~
la f a . v i l . | ® f u-«ie 0* -
j« - r u i
tMfldO
Quato* (re _ B o r
*i«*4o Jt . 4 n
r t f - u
Cherubim, Reguiem in D M i n n r 13.15
Example 22. Continued. 132
cancU ftri . cU (i<*€un - ru , awcta i(ri . <«•
MB'ti - rat cucU tUi - CM O M - CMCO . a u c u c<ri . ct«
mes ctacU tiri . c<e . » . n« f <ucu «tii . cte
133
In addition to the motivic similarities, the melodic middlegrounds of the opening
measures of the "Dies irae" movements of both Sequences are quite similar (see Example
23). Both composers star, their "Dies irae" movements by emphasizing the same pitches.
F, C-sharp, O, and D. In addition, the structural pitches presented in measures 10-19 of
Mozart's "Dies irae" movement are F G and A Th* r * * t , G, and A, The first two prtches (F and G) are used
in an elaborate fashion in measures 8 - ,4 ofCherubini's "Dies irae" movement, whereby
instead of moving up by step from F to G, Cherubini
follows by an arpeggiated descent from F to G.
moves up an octave, F to F, by leap,
° f t h e « ™ ofMoaut's and
Mozart's "Dies irae" (measures 1-19):
l 4 7 8 io
Cherubini's "Dies irae" (measures 4-14):
mm. 4- 5 (o 1 e ^ io ii 12. I®, i(|.
134
Tuba mirum
In Mozart's setting of the "Tuba minim," only four soloists, soprano, alto, tenor,
and bass, are used. The bass solo enters in measure 3, echoing the melody played by a
trombone solo at the start, sings to the third stanza ("Tuba mirum"). The tenor solo takes
over at measure 18 and sings from stanza 4 to 5. At measure 34, an alto solo takes over
smgmg stanza 6 and finally, a soprano solo takes its turn singing stanza 7 at measure 40.
The movement closes with the chorus singing "cum vix Justus sit securus?" in homophonic
style.
Cherubim, on the other hand, uses no soloists in his Requiem in n mi™, I n
setting of the "Tuba mirum," he uses motives from the beginning of the Sequence. At
"cum resurget creatura," motive b (derives from Mozart's motive y') is used canonically as
before, in a canon at the octave starting in the bass at measures 55-56, A gradual
crescendo starting in measure 58 leads to a climax in measure 60 ("judicanti"), where an
elaborated version of motive b, set in long notes, first appears in the bass and then is
imitated by the first and second tenors two measures later (see Example 24).
a"*™ S S f C T i T S " - — ' ' 135
in
b f e t a b o r a t a ^
elqbOfxTtg.) to . n .
168 Ibid., 20-21.
136
In measures 68-75 ("Liber scriptus"), the chonis is set homophonically using motive a
(derived from Mozart's motive x). Motive b1 is also incorporated into the texture
appearing in the bass at measures 68-69. The purpose of bringing back motives a, b, and
b- in the "Tuba mirum" is to relate, textually, to the prophecy set forth in the first stanza of
the "Dies irae" text: the prophecy that the world will one day be burned to ashes and all
the dead will rise again ("cum resurget") to be judged ("judicami") according to the book
("Liber") of God.
Not only did Cherubini borrow motives from Mozart's "Dies irae" movement, he
also imitated the melodic middleground of Mozart's "Tuba mirum" movement (see
Example 25). In Cherubini's setting of the "Tuba mirum," the pitches that are emphasized
in measures 24-45 are A, F, and D. The same pitches are emphasized in measures 34-53
of Mozart's "Tuba mirum" movement. In measures 11-33 of Mozart's "Tuba mirum"
movement, the pitches emphasized are F, B-flat, and D. In measures 56-59 of Cherubini's
"Tuba mirum" section, the same three pitches are emphasized. In addition, Cherubini also
presented the three pitches, but with slight alteration on the second pitch, in measures 60-
67 — B-flat, D-flat (instead of D), and F.
Example 25. Melodic middlegrounds of Mozart's and Cherubini's
137
Tuba mirum."
Mozart's "Tuba mirum" (measures 3-53):
5 7 'I /0 If 53 Sf no *5
£ 6 P , [ A F P
Cherubini's "Tuba mirum" (measures 24-67):
i f 34. 4S 48 S I 5& ^ 7 Sfi ^ 6 , (ff mm
LA F Pi P F 6 b J j_Bb p^ F
Rex tremendae
Mozart's "Rex tremendae" is se, as a double canon, using dotted rhythms in the
choral and i n t e r n a l parts - The first canon begins in measure 7 in the alto and is
answered at the upper fourth by the soprano in the same measure. The second canon
which begins in measure 7 also, in the tenor
measure 8. At the cry "salve me" in
IS answered at the lower fifth by the bass in
measures 18, the dynamic level suddenly drops from
forte to piano, and a kind of antiphonal effect
aito) and low (tenor and bass) choruses in the
is created between the high (soprano and
ensuing measure. The movement ends with
169See p. 118 regarding the use of dotted rhythms in the " Rex tremendae."
the whole choir in a homophonic declamation of "salve me, fons pietatis"
22.
138
pietatis" at measure 20-
The vocal and instrumental parts of Chentbini's "Rex tremendae" are set in dotted
rhythms following the Baroque c o n v e n t i o n . W h i l e Mozart uses a double canon,
Cherubini's setting is primarily homophonic. The movement begins w i t h motive b (derived
from Mozart's motive y<> in , h e bass in dotted rhythm ("rex tremendae"), stepping u p .
major third from A to C-sharp, and followed by a modified inverted version of motive b
("majestatis") (see Example 26a).
E X a m P b a s ? a t ^
170Refer to footnote 169.
7ICherubini, Requiem in D Minnr 26-27.
139
ry salve me, the dynamics alternate between sforzando and piano in hnth
the vocal and insmtmemal parts. In the first tenor part, a modified version of motive b is
used. Instead of two eighth notes moving by step up a minor third, followed by two
quarter notes down a minor th.rd by leap, it is now two tied over quarter notes stepping
up a second (major or minor) followed by two quarter notes leaping down a third (major
or minor) (see Example 20b). As in the "Tuba mirum, the reason for having motive b
(original and modified) recur in the "Rex tremendae" is to relate, textually, to the opening
stanza. The prophecy that the "dreadful God" ("Rex tremendae majestatis") will come to
destroy the world with fire ("solve, saedum in fevilla") has generated much fear in the
mmds of many who want to be saved ("salve me, fons pietatis").
Example 26b. A modified 134 139 r - T 0 f m 0 t i v e b wear ing in the first tenor part i 134-139 ( salve me") of Cherabini's "Rex tremendae.""2 in measures
ok, Ibm
172 Ibid., 28.
140
In addition to the motivic similarity, the melodic middlegrounds of both the "Rex
tremendae" movements are also similar (see Example 27), In measures 3-2-lof Mozart's
setting, he starts with a minor seventh descent from G to A, follows by a leap up to F and
m measures 12-21.. Cherubini's setting also follows a similar
minor seventh descent from A to B. In addition, the
three pitches, F, E, and D in measures 12-2lofMozart's setting are incorporated into the
minor seventh descent of ChembinPs setting, but with a slight alteration on the firs.
pitch - F-sharp, E, and D.
descents by step down to D
melodic contour by starting with
Example 27. Melodic middlegrounds of Mozart's and Cherubini's "
Mozart's "Rex tremendae" (measures 3-21):
Rex tremendae."
i*n 3 e ej ,0 IZ IZ 13 If 18 z\
Cherubini's "Rex tremendae" (measures 126-144):
<«> ize •W- (15 ISS 13*1 of) ,3^ m
141
Recordare
Mozart's setting of the "Recordare," like the "Rex tremendae," is treated
canonical^ The movement starts with an introduction of two basset horns engaging in
canon at the second over a descending eighth-note figure in the cello. It is succeeded after
six measures by another canon at the unison between the first and second violins moving
one quarter note apart. This canon is set over an ascending eighth-note figure played by
the violas and moves in contmy motion to the canon. The introduction ends in measure
14, followed by pairs of solo voices entering in succession using the canon played by the
set horns earlier. This canon reappears only one more time at measure 93 ("Preces
meae") in the tonic key ofF major. The second canon played by the violins at measure 7
is used again at the end of the movement. However, it (the second canon) is substantially
shortened with only the last three measures of the canon reappearing in measure 126.'"
As Mozart had done, Cherubini also set the "Recordare" as a canon. In addition,
the words of the first six stanzas from "Recordare, Jesu pie" (sta.ua 9) to "Preces meae
non sum dignae" (stanza 14) are used simultaneously, with the first tenor singing stanzas 9
and 14, the second tenor, stanzas 11 and 12, and the bass, stanzas 10 and 13. The last
stanza, "Inter oves locum praesta," is sung by all voices. The canon begins in the bass a.
measure 145 and is answered by the second tenor after one measure a. the upper fourth.
The opening theme of the canon is actually an elaborate version of motive b' (which
derives from motive b ) from the beginning. In the bass part, instead of leaping down a
Mozart's F O r m a t i 0 " ° f
142
fourth from G to D, the elaborated version of raotive b' moves by step down a fifth (G to
C) followed by an ascent up a second (C to D). The first tenor is presented as a free
contrapuntal voice moving along with the canon and the whole is accompanied by the
Strings with the cello weaving an eighth-note figure around the vocal parts (see Example
28).
Example 28. Cherubini's "Recordare " measures 144 m r u in the bass uses an elaborate Z o f i v t b ' - " P ™ " 8 C m n t h ™ e
Andantino* ' 3 5
Andiiiifnio.
01(1 - •
F=? .•Mictl las
Cherubini, Requiem in D Minnr 29.
143
At measure 160 ("Preces/tngemisco/Qui"), the first and second tenors switch parts. The
second tenor now acts as the free contrapuntal voice while the bass and first tenor takes
over the canon. The final part switching appears in measure 175 ("Inter oves"), with the
first and second tenors moving in canon and the bass acting as the free contrapuntal voice
that leads to a conclusion in the dominant of E minor at measure 190. Similar to the "Rex
tremendae," the recurrence of motive b' (though elaborated) in the "Recordare" serves to
relate, textually, to the opening stanza. In the "Recordare," the message of redemption is
emphasized: the unsaved souls are punished by a separation from God and forever burn in
the everlasting fires ("cremer igne"), a clear reference to the opening stanza ("solvet
saeclum in favilla").
In addition to the similar canonic setting of the "Recordare," Cherubini also
imitates the melodic middleground of Mozart's "Recordare" movement (see Example 29).
In measures 14-26, Mozart's setting ascents by thirds from F to G (measures 14-24),
follows by a leap down a fourth to D in measure 26. An inverted version of the melodic
contour of Mozart's setting (measures 14-26) can be seen in measures 145-161 of
Cherubini's setting. Instead of ascending by thirds, it descents by thirds from D to G
(measures 145-151), follows by a leap up a fifth to D in measure 161. In addition, in
measures 42-50, 54-58, and 93-97 of Mozart's setting, the melodic contours tend to move
upward - D ascending to F, B-flat ascending to F, and F ascending ,o C respectively.
Cherubini, again, follows Mozart's melodic contours but presents them in inversion in
measures 170-173, 174-178, and 183-190 — B descending to G-sharp, B descending to E,
and B descending to D-sharp respectively.
Example 29. Melodic middlegrounds of Mozart's and Cherubini's "
Mozart's "Recordare" (measures 14-26 and 42-97):
Recordare."
144
14- It 18 ZZ 4cZ
Cherubini's "Recordare" (measures 145-161 and 170-190):
•"T1, ms **f© IM-R ISl It/ 170 1*75 I7<f iTS 0 8 183 1ftf flo
6 P, < 2 — S E j I 6 ^
Confutatis
Mozart's "Confutatis" opens with two motives in the lower voices, the triadic
"Confutatis" and ,he scalar "flammis a c r i b u s w o r k i n g i n ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
These two motives are characterized by strong, dotted rhythms befitting the urgency of
.he opening ,e x t ("When the accursed are confounded, consigned ,o the fierce flames"),
at measure 7 ( voca me") is sung by the alto and soprano. This new motive is
accompanied by an oscUlating string parts and .he whole evokes a feel of heavenly
sublimity. A, measure 26, the choors enters with the prayer "Oro supple* et acclinis »
The chorus is accompanied by syncopated strings and the whole is set over a Oroma.ic
descending bass from E-flat (measure 26) down ,o C (measure 36).
145
Cherubini's setting of the "Confotatis" opens with a brief homorhythmic
declamation of the words "Confutatis maledictus" by the chorus. This is followed by the
voices breaking into close imitative counterpoint, using motive b2 from the beginning of
the Sequence a. measures 195-199. Musical word-painting is used to illustrate the words
"flammis acribus" at measures 199-207 (see discussion above on this matter). At measure
208, motive b3 (derived from Mozart's motive y) set to the word "maledictis" that is
repeated three times. After a pause, the line "voca me cum benedictis" is sung by the
chorus without instrumental accompaniment. At "Oro supplex," Cherubini uses two
modified versions of motive b3 and both appear in measures 234-244 of the first tenor
part. The first version has the rhythm of a dotted eighth, a sixteenth, a quarter and an
eighth notes. The semitone functions as an accented lower neighboring tone.1" The
second version, which uses the same rhythmic pattern as the first, has the semitone acting
as an accented upper neighboring tone (see Example 30). The purpose of bringing back
motives b2 and b3 (modified) is, again, to relate textually to the opening stanza. The day
Of judgment as prophesied in the opening stanza is acknowledged by the sinfu. ones who
earnestly pray ("Oro supplex et acclinis") to God for the forgiveness of their sins.
terms o f t ^ p ^ e m T m o f t L T s S o n " 1 1 " V e r S i ° " ° f m ° t i v e b 3 ° f Cherubini
146
Examp1^3^ Two modified versKms of motive b> appearing i„ , h e first t e „ o r m i measures 234-244 ( Oro supplex") of Cherubini's "Conftitatis."176 in
Aad&xrtlno.Vtr-1 .Vcr-l. VOr-1 y/C • Z
Vfer. ( Ver-2 . . &
Cherubini, Reguiem in D Minnr 36-37.
In addition to the moti vic similarity, the melodic middlegrounds of the two
"Confutatis" settings are quite similar (see Example 31) A melodic ascent can be seen,
moving by step, from C to G-sharp i„ measures l - , 2 of Mozart's setting. A similar
melodic idea is used by Cherubini in his setting, Bu, instead ofs taning on C, Che^b.ni
starts on E in measure 193 and ascents to D in measure 254. In addition, two other
melodic ascents can be seen moving simultaneously in measures 237-246 of Cherubini's
setting creating a kind of compound melody. The first melodic ascent is on E-flat
(measure 237), F (measure 241), and G (measure 245). The second melodic ascent
c (measure 238), D (measure 242), and E (measure 246).
147
is on
Example 31 Melodic middlegrounds of Mozart's and Cherubini's "
Mozar t ' s "Confuta t i s" (measures 1-12):
Confutatis."
I
Cherubini s "Confuta t i s" (measures 193-254);
WS 2bo Z03
148
Lacrymosa
The mournful character of the text, "Lacrymosa dies ilia," is depicted by the use of
"sigh" motives in both the orchestral and vocal p a r t s . T h e texture of this movement is
primarily homophonic. At measures 5-8, the soprano gradually rises one and a half
octaves, at first diatonically and later chromatically, to underscore the main idea of the
second line of stanza 18, which foretells the resurrection of the dead to face the impending
judgment by God ("Qua resurget ex favilla, judicandus homo reus") .Before the end of
the movement, the "Requiem" theme from the Introit is quoted in the soprano at measures
26-28. This is important because it shows that Sussmayr had, to a certain degree,
understood Mozart's intent; that is, to create a texmal connection between the Introit and
"Lacrymosa" movements by musical association.™ However, this musical association
between the two movements is not extended to the Agnus Dei, despite the presence of
similar words in the three texts. The las. line of the "Lacrymosa" a„d A g n u s D e i read
"dona eis requiem. Amen," and "dona eis requiem sempiternam" respectively. The words
"dona eis requiem" in these two lines clearly derive from the opening line of the Introit,
which reads "Resuiem aeternam donaeis." Thus, this shows that Sussmayr did not fully
understand the true intern of Mozart, which was to create unification of the whole woric
H n i Z Z ^ ^ * S a S S m a y r « » "Lacrymosa"
177
remaining movements of the , n e " L ^ o s a » and the
178 Wolff, 108.
149
through textual and musical associations.180 In addition, had Mozart completed his setting
of the Requiem, he doubtless would have ended the "Lacrymosa" movement with an
Amen fugue so as to achieve musical unity by closing each major movement of the
R e q u i e m fagally-181 In fact, the discovery of the incomplete "Amen" fugue sketch in the
Berlin Staatsbibliothek in 1960 confirmed Mozart's intent.182 Sussmayr, however, doubted
his own ability in completing the "Amen" fugue left by Mozart and decided, instead, to
end the "Lacrymosa" movement with a two-measure plagal cadence on "Amen.1,183
As according to the Baroque convention discussed above, Cherubini, like Mozart,
chose to make use of "sigh" motives in both the vocal and orchestral parts befitting the
mournful character of the "Lacrymosa" text. The overall texture, as with that of Mozart's,
is set homophonically with the opening line "Lacrymosa dies, ilia, qua resurget," set to a
motive derived from motive a (based on Mozart's motive x) from the beginning of the
Sequence. This modified version of motive a is used in all the vocal parts from measures
255-258 and instead of moving by step down a perfect fourth, it steps down a perfect fifth
by extending the penultimate note a major second (see Example 32).
18Q1 'Wolff, 110-111.
"Guam olim^ fiTJue S t Y , & g u e a " d t h e 0 f f e r t o i y ends with the Quam ohm fugue. Sussmayr, however, closes the Sanctus with the "Hosanna" fueato
and brought back the "Kyrie" double fugue" at the end of the Agnus Del §
182Wolff, 30-32.
183Ibid., 31.
E ^ P l - U c r y ^ o s T - ' » ^ V e r S i°" ° f m ° t i V e " 3 t m e a S U r C S 2 5 5 " 2 5 8 o f CHembini',
150
L*. arl.au.
Motive bJ (based on Mozart's motive y) is used three times in the last stanza," Pie
Jesu Domine." I, appears p r i m a r % i n ^ s e c o n d ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
("requiem") and in inversion in measures 274-275 ("Pie Je s u"), a n d measures 282-283
("Pie Jesu"). By bringing back motives a (modified) and b' from the beginning, the
prophecy of the day ofjudgment in the opening stanza is complemented by the
reassurance of redemption ("Jesu Domine, dona eis requiem. Amen") in the "Laaymosa."
Cherubini, Requiem in D Minor 38-39.
151
In addition to the moti vic similarity, the melodic middlegrounds of the opening
measures of the two "Lacrymosa" settings are quite similar (see Example 33). In
measures 3-9 of Mozart's setting, the melodic line begins on A and ascents to D, follows
by a leap down an octave to D and ascents up to A. A similar melodic contour can be
seen in measures 255-258 of Cherubini's setting except that it is inverted. Instead of
beginning with an ascent, it starts with a descent from A to D, follows by a leap up an
octave to D and descents down to G. A melodic descent of a fourth from D to A can be
seen in measures 10-14 of Mozart's setting. Similarly, Cherubini also uses a melodic
descent of a fourth but from G to D in measures 259-262 of his setting.
E X a m P i c l L ° f t h e ° P e n i " g ~ « - d
Mozart's "Lacrymosa" (measures 3-14):
T " 5 + 5 10 ^
4 P p A
Cherubini's "Lacrymosa" (measures 255-262)
T 2 5 5 * * *sr7 258 * 1 z£>z
Gr D f
CONCLUSION
This thesis speculates that, in order to pay homage to Mozart, Cherubini modeled
(though not closely) his Requiem in D Minor on Mozart's Requiem. As demonstrated in
Chapter IV, even though the two works are constructed differently, the melodic ideas in
the Introit and Offertories of both Requiems are quite similar. In addition, the similarities
in the melodic middlegrounds of these movements further reinforce the possibility that
Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor was influenced by Mozart's Requiem The melodic
similarities in the Introit and Offertories are further magnified in the Sequences of both
Requiems
As demonstrated in Chapter V, Cherubini was possibly influenced by Mozart's
setting of the Sequence in his Reauiem in D minor based on the tonal and motivic
similarities in Mozait's and Cherubim's setting of the Sequence. To avoid an exact
duplicate of Mozart's Sequence, Cherubini often carefully modified the borrowed tonal
scheme and motives of Mozart's Sequence as he reworked these materials creating his
own setting of the Sequence. Tonally, the order of keys is reversed: instead of starting his
"Rex tremendae" in the same key as did Mozart in G minor, he uses D major, which is
modaily related to the ending key, D minor, of Mozart's "Rex tremendae." Motivically,
Cherubim changes the intemls of borrowed motive while keeping the original rhythm.
Thus, motive x in Mozart's Sequence becomes motive a in his Sequence.
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153
In addition to the motivic and tonal similarities of the two Sequences, Chapter V
also discusses how Cherubini's Sequence imitates, on a more profound level, the melodic
middleground of Mozart's Sequence. This deeper level of similarity is highly significant
because it proves that the "surface" similarities (motivic and tonal) are more than just
coincidental. It reinforces the possibility that Cherubini was consciously trying to imitate
Mozart's Sequence while composing his own.
The formal and orchestration differences discussed in Chapter V do not diminish
the possibility of influence, but instead, they serve to demonstrate Cherubim's ingenuity
and individuality as a composer in setting this lengthy, and dramatic text. Instead of
dividing his Sequence into six independent movements like Mozart did, Cherubini chose to
set his Sequence in one continuous movement. The significance of such an approach is
that it allows Chembini to cast his Sequence in a continuous variation form, where
motives from the beginning recur throughout the movement in key points in the text, thus
enabling him to interweave musically, as they are interwoven in the "Dies irae" text, the
two complementary themes of judgment and redemption.
Thus, based on the musical similarities in the Introit, Offertories, and especially the
Sequences of both Reauiems, there is little doubt that Cherubini's Requiem in n Mi-..,
was influenced by Mozart's Requiem
While Mozart's Requiem is one of the most admired choral works of the twentieth
century, Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor, on the other hand, is relatively unknown to
many musicians today. Since his death in 1842, Cherabini's choral works have been
unjustly neglected. The purpose of this thesis, therefore, is no, only to demonstrate a
154
possible influence of Mozart's Requiem on Cherabini's RegyignjnDNjjnor (a project
that has never been undertaken before), but also to help us understand and appreciate the
various aspects of Cherabini's unique choral style through the analysis of his second
Reguiem. By so doing, the author sincerely hopes that more scholars would take interest
in research of Cherubini's other choral works.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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"^Buaeeasanax
157
Selden, Margery. "The French Operas of Luigi Cherabini." Ph.D. diss., Yale University,
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Willis, Stepheni Charley 'Luigi Cherubim: A Study of His Life and Dramatic Music 1795-1815. Ph.D. diss., Columbia University, 1975.
Woodard, Susan Jeanne_ "The Dies Irae as used by Sergei Rachmaninoff: Some Sources Antecedents, and Application." D.M.A. diss., The Ohio State University, 1984. '
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Nowak, Leopold. "Wer hat die Instrumentalstimmen in der Kyrie-Fuge des Requiem von W.A. Mozart geschrieben?" Mozart-Jahrhnrh (1973-1974); 191-201
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Weber, ( ^ t f f i ed . "Ober die Echtheit des Mozartschen Requiem," £ac«ia 3, (1825):
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Cherubini, Luigi. ReaaienunCMmor. Full score. New York: Edwin F. Kalmus, [n.d. J.
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